Daniel “Danny” A. Archuleta, age 69, a longtime resident of White Rock, N.M. and part time resident of La Sauces, Colo., passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday June 30, 2012. He was born in Los Montoyas, N.M. on July 11, 1942 to the late Teresita Montoya Archuleta and Antonio G. Archuleta.
He was a graduate of Pecos High School and went on to become a United States Marine and a Vietnam Vet. He started his career in security as a corrections officer at the State Penitentiary of New Mexico, then accepted a security position in Los Alamos, working for different contractors during his career including DOE, Pro Force, Mason and Hanger & PTLA.
Danny’s true passion was his family, his race horses and the ranching lifestyle; he learned to play guitar at a young age and entertained many with his music. One of his greatest joys was being “Pops” to all of his grandchildren, whom he loved very much.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Teresita and Antonio Archuleta; his sister, Claudia Varela; niece, Sheryl Mae Gonzales; and nephew, Louie Lopez.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Melva N. Archuleta and their children son Mike (Alejandra) Archuleta, grandchildren Daniel, Thomas, Anna and Mikey; son Joe Archuleta; daughter Felicia Archuleta Gibson (Lee) grandchildren John and Maria; son Daniel (Kirsty) Archuleta, grandchildren Shay Lee and Joseph.
Danny is also survived by son Remijio Garcia and granddaughter Michelle Garcia; brother, Ramon Archuleta; sisters: Priscilla Saldana, Veronica B. Archuleta, Avelina (Vincent) Martinez, Christina (Dennis) Trujillo, Elizabeth (Danny) Rougemont, Carol (Magin) Valencia, Martha (Curtis) Stinett, Margaret (Ron) Griego, Rose (Larry) Petry; In-laws: Gene (Elizabeth) Roybal, Belle Cody, Gil (Shari) Roybal, Vangie (Tom) Sloan, Ernie (Rosa) Roybal, Fred (Genne) Roybal, Kaylee (Chris) Wright, Charlene (Marcel) DeRochers; many nieces, nephews and two special godsons: Leroy Montoya and Jason Quintana; special aunts: Annie Montoya and Grace Flores; many cousins including childhood best friend Tony Montoya, and many more relatives and countless friends.
Public visitation will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday July 7, 2012 in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to follow at 7 p.m.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday July 9, 2012 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the San Antonio De Padua of Los Montoyas ~ c/o David Montoya 784 US HWY 84, Las Vegas, N.M., 87701. 505-617-5604 or to Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service, 116 Central Park Square, Los Alamos, N.M. 87544. 505- 662-2525
The family of Daniel “Danny” A. Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477
