Dan E. Dorrance
( July 9, 1943 – May 10, 2024 )
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Dan E. Dorrance. Our husband and father passed peacefully, on Friday, May 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at Miner’s Colfax Medical Center Long Term Care Facility.
Dan was born on July 9, 1943, in Cimarron, New Mexico to the late Daniel and Felia Dorrance. Dan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents who raised him Faustine and Josefita Samora, parents Daniel C. and Felia Dorrance, in-laws Vicente and Evangeline Serna, son-in-law Julio Baray, brother Robert Dorrance, and sister and brother-in-law Judy and Carlos Serna.
Dan is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Patricia and their two daughters, Cynthia Gomez and husband Steve and Melissa Dorrance Baray; siblings Johnny Dorrance and wife Margie and Linda Mascarenas and husband Frank; grandchildren Angel and Victor Baray, Maegan Kelly and husband Donovan, Morgan Marose, and husband Jeremy and Makayla Gomez and fiancé Harold; great-grandchildren Ruby, Bella, Jade, Miles and Kaelani, and numerous extended family and friends.
Dan had many titles in his life, from Coal Miner, dragline operator, and 4th Degree Knight, but his favorite role was being a father, brother, uncle, and grandpa as many of us knew him as Partner, Nino, Uncle Danny or Uncle Dan Dan. He loved nothing more than spending time with his adult children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and greats. He was always there for them and proudly supported each and every one whether it was fishing for the biggest catch, bragging about which branch of the military was the best, or having a battle of wits with the best of them. Dan had a special bond with each family member and was always present to offer his love, support, and encouragement.
Dan was full of love and laughter, and he touched the lives of all who knew him. Dan was a friend to many and was a cherished member of the Raton and Cimarron communities as he worked 33 years as a coal miner and proudly served as a Knight, for the Knights of Columbus, for the St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Dan leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength and his absence leaves a void in our hearts.
Dan’s unwavering spirit will forever be remembered. His surviving family and wife of 60 years will miss him dearly.
We welcome all who knew him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply.
Recitation of the most Holy Rosary will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 11:00 am, at the St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, recited by the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree followed by the Mass of Christian Burial with Father Bill Woytavich. Rite of Committal and Interment will be held at the Mount Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Gomez, Angel Baray, Victor Baray, Frankie Mascarenas, Anthony Serna and David Serna. Honorary Pallbearers are Tom Serna, John Serna, Sam Serna, Frank Mascarenas, Aaron Coca, Jeremy Marose, Miles Marose, Harold Edwards, Ernest Salas, Jack Pascetti, Peter Jo Pacheco, Head (Richard) Sanchez, Leonard Ashbough, and Charlie Goss.
A special thank you to the medical Doctors and nurses who cared for Danny at Miners’ Colfax Medical Center Long-Term care for our beloved husband and Father.
Arrangements for Dan E. Dorrance are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
