Deacon Danny Valdez

Reverend Mr. Jose Daniel Valdez, 68, entered this life on February 7^th, 1954 and was called to his eternal home on Sunday December 4^th, 2022. Deacon Danny was born to Dolores P. Barry in Torrance, CA and was raised in Nambe, NM by his maternal grandparents Jose R. and Juanita Valdez. He was a 1972 graduate of Pojoaque High School. Deacon Danny was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on July 12, 2003. He retired from the  Los Alamos National Laboratory after 40 years of service.

In 1984 Deacon Danny met the love of his life Norma and they married on September 12^th, 1986. They welcomed three children and nine grandchildren in their beautiful life together.

Deacon Danny was preceded in death by his parents Joe E. and Dolores Barry, his maternal grandparents Jose R. and Juanita Valdez, aunts and uncles Ruby Roybal, Ambrosia Hutt, Valentine & Benancio Valdez, padrino Arturo Romero, nephew David Barry, and his beloved dog Rusty.

Deacon Danny is survived by his wife of 36 years Norma Jean Valdez, children Danielle & Thomas Miera, Nathan & Charlene Valdez, and Katarina Valdez & Timothy Cowan. Grandchildren, his pride and joy, Vanessa, Isabella, Jennifer, Sophia, Daniel, Robert, Krystianna, Levi, and Olivia. Brothers and Sisters Anthony & Mahilea Barry, Patricia & Albert Fernandez, Doreen Nevarez, Richard & Patsy Barry, Joseph & Ann Gomez and Carmella Rodriguez & Brenda Manuelito. In-laws Robert & Lucy Garcia, Bobby & Marlene Garcia, & Deborah & Tommy Martinez. Aunt Ana & John Trujillo. Madrina Miquella Romero. Nephews, Nieces, and Godchidren, Nellie, Nicole, Ivan, Patrick, Marissa, Kevin, Miguel, Chanelle, Rico, Josh, Roberto, Brianna, Allison, Jeffrey, Gabriel, Stephanie & Lou.

Deacon Danny had many friends and hermanos through his lifelong involvement in the community. He belonged to the Permanent Diaconate, he served as the Presidente Superior for the SPMDTU Fraternal Order in 1988, Cofradia de la Santisima Trinidad, SEARCH for Christian Maturity Youth Retreat Program, Life in the the Spirit Seminar Team, ACTS Apostolate, Confirmation Catechist, Church Mayordomos, T-Ball Coach, and Little League Head Umpire.

Deacon Danny enjoyed many things in life including carving, playing his guitar, and taking trips, but none more than playing with and teaching his grandkids about their Catholic faith. He truly had a unique relationship with each of them.

There will be two Rosaries held on Sunday December 11^th, 2022. The first will be at Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Catholic Church in Nambe at 3:30pm (visitation begins at 3pm). The second one at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Catholic Church at 7pm (visitation begins at 6pm). Deacon Danny had a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on her feast day, Monday December 12^th, 2022 at 11 am (visitation begins at 10am) with internment to follow at the Pojoaque Cemetery. A reception will follow at the parish hall.

Serving the family as pall bearers will be Alex Martinez, Ivan Barry, Kevin Fernandez, Miguel Nevarez, Rico Fernandez, Roberto Garcia, Jeffrey Vigil, & Gabriel Martinez. Honorary Pall Bearers will be his Hermanos of the SPMDTU, Santisima Trinidad, ACTS Brothers and Sisters, Search Family, and his brother Deacons.

The family of Deacon Danny would like to sincerely thank Dan, Yisell, Chelsea, Sasha, Neil and the St. Vincent’s ICU/CCU team, and Dr. Kingston, Dr. Gonzales, Dan, and Bianca with Campasuss Hospice for caring for our dad in his final days. We would also send a special thanks to Dr. Glenda King and Lori, Deb Caswell & Wound Care Staff, Keith Romero & Anti-Coag Clinic Staff, JoAnna Kershner, Jose Garcia &  Sombrillo Nursing Home Staff and Santa Fe County Fire Department for their compassionate care throughout Deacon Danny’s Illnesses.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Benito Garcia Scholarship Foundation (Zia Credit Union), or the Saint Vincent De Paul Society at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Parish.

The family of Deacon Danny has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory in the beautiful Espanola Valley. (505)747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com