Dan W. Barrone

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

With heart-felt admiration, we honor the extraordinary life of, Dan W. Barrone, 95, who ascended serenely on August 13, 2025, a mere twenty-four days after the passing of his cherished wife Cecilia. Their remarkable love story, spanning over 73 years, was a testament to their unwavering devotion, commitment and companionship. Born in Terrero, NM on February 23, 1930, to Daniel Casas Barrone and Christina Fresenius Barrone, Dan embodied a life of integrity, diligence, and devotion to his family. Dan was incredibly proud of graduating from Pojoaque High School in 1947, as part of a class of eight. He landed a job at the ice plant in Los Alamos, providing essential services to homes on the renowned Bathtub Row. As a young adult, fresh out of high school, Dan was hired by the Highway Department and embarked on an extraordinary journey, walking the entire width and length of New Mexico as a survey crew member. Dan’s journey later led him to join the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean conflict. He married the love of his life, Cecilia Montoya, on June 28, 1952, and moved to Los Alamos. Dan’s dedication to public service continued as he worked for the State Penitentiary, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) as a Security Inspector, the Los Alamos Police Department as part of the US ERDA, and Protective Force. Dan’s outstanding service earned him the AEC's Special Achievement Award. In 1974, he eventually became the Chief of Security for Los Alamos Labs, retiring in 1981. Dan's commitment to community service continued as a volunteer with the Pojoaque Valley Fire Department from 1976 through 1983, serving as Chief for many years. He then joined the Los Alamos National Laboratory, working in the office of Legal Counsel, and later Comforce Technical Services. Dan’s guidance was a guiding light, his strength a rock- solid foundation for his family. A man of few words, yet profound wisdom, Dan imparted the value of honesty, perseverance, and unconditional love to his children. He deeply believed in the transformative power of prayer. He found solace in gardening, reading, puzzles, fishing and tending to his land, often sharing stories of his youth. Stories that will inspire and uplift generations to come.

His legacy lives on through his children: Pam Barrone of Taos; Margie Tapia (Ed) of Pojoaque, Daniel Barrone (Della) of Taos, and Barbara Gordon (William) of Magdalena; His grandchildren: Tim Seay (Olga), Emilie Freeman, Lucy Freeman (Justin Garcia), Victoria Tapia, Daneeca Vazquez (Joel), Diego Barrone (Eden), Rachel Barrone (Dan Dan-deceased), Devon Gordon (Doni), Warren Gordon (Larissa), and Danielle Gordon; His great grandchildren: Jeremy, Sophia (Ivan), Zachary, Noah, Anthony, Alexandria, Jezekiah, Daniel, Damascus, Michael, Josh, Adam, JJ, Cecilia, Annalise, Bär, Kacilyn, and Devon; His great-great granddaughter: Catalina; All of whom he adored deeply.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Cecilia; his mom and dad, Dan C. and Christina F. Barrone; sisters Elsie Roybal (John), Laura Roybal (Arthur), and Emilie Ortiz (Gilbert), and brother, Lenny Barrone.

Dan is also survived by his in-laws: Victoria Romero (Manuel-deceased) of Santa Fe, Rosina Romero (Pat) of Las Vegas, NM, and Tony Montoya (DiAnn) of Los Alamos, Ernest Sanchez (Isabel-deceased) of Bosque Farms; and Anita Montoya (Ernest-deceased) of Santa Fe.

Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11:00 am followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 12:00 pm at Nuestra Señora De Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pojoaque, NM. Burial will be at 1:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family of Dan W. Barrone has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019