Daniel P. Encinias

Daniel P. Encinias, age 72, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 surrounded by family at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque following open-heart surgery. Originally from Las Vegas, NM, Dan served in the Navy during Vietnam. He retired after 20 years from the Albuquerque Police Department as a sergeant. Dan’s favorite motto, “it is what it is,” exemplified how he lived his life: with acceptance, purpose, and determination. Even in the most trying moments with his health struggles, Dan kept active as a private investigator, and security guard for both the Balloon Fiesta and Isotopes Baseball. Dan never complained but carried his cross with dignity.

Dan loved to run, travel, golf, bowl and was an avid Lobos basketball fan where he and his friends would travel to cheer on the team. Dan was beloved for his sense of humor, compassion for others, and selflessness. He will be greatly missed in this world, but his family celebrates his union with the Lord in Heaven.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Gloria; daughters, Gina Encinias and Deidre Espinoza and husband, Erasmo; along with grandchildren, Brittany, Adam, Marisa, and Delaney. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis; his father, Pedro; and brother-in-law, Rick Chavez.

Family and friends are invited to a Rosary which will be celebrated Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Wyoming. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Parish, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE. Burial will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE. Pallbearers will be Erasmo and Adam Espinoza, Nick Alarid, Steve Guerra, Chris Padilla, and George Carrillo. Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Asmus, Mike Roach, Rollie Swanson, Rocky Stone, Ben and Michael Carrillo. A reception will be held starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 4120 Cutler Ave. NE.