Daniel John Paul Arellano

Daniel John Paul Arellano was born in Pueblo, Colorado to Daniel Arellano Sr. and Josephine Valerio on Saturday, November 8, 1947. Daniel had five children: Dante, Ciara, Royale, Danielle, and Damian. In addition, his three sons-in-law, Robert Iverson, Johann Jareño, and Matthew Moralez. His grandchildren include Benjamin, Aaric, Isabella, Aaron, and Isla. He was the oldest of eight and his siblings include brothers Eddie, Jaime, Louie, Jerome, John, Karl Arellano, and two sisters, Lois and Michelle. Daniel had a large extended family which included many beloved nieces and nephews and family in Pueblo,Colorado. Daniel was a devoted man of faith in Yeshua HaMashiach. He prayed for those he knew as friends, coworkers, and especially his family whom he loved very much.

Albuquerque is where Daniel spent the majority of his time growing up. He took on the role of a provider for his siblings at a young age and developed a strong work ethic which continued throughout his life. He graduated from Valley High School in 1965. Soon thereafter, he left for Los Angeles California, and learned the trade of butchery where he worked for several supermarkets and meat packing facilities. Daniel had an extensive collection of knives and his skills were evident every year cutting the Thanksgiving turkey.

While residing in California, he attended East LA Junior College and Cal State Dominguez Hills. It was during this time that he met the beautiful Alice Gonzalez who became his wife in 1972. Daniel returned to Albuquerque with his family and continued cutting meat for commercial grocery stores and worked for Keller's Farms Stores for many years. After a short time in Albuquerque, Daniel decided to move to the East Mountains of Tijeras where his children grew up. During this time, he learned to navigate mountain life, teaching his children the value of hard work. Whether he was clearing the snowy roads for his neighbors with the tractor, or teaching himself how to stucco his home, his hands were never idle. His children loved taking rides in the "Green Truck" and learning how to use the tractor for their gardens.

He had a career change when he went to work for Right Way Roofing alongside his stepfather Tom Herrera and brothers. It was here that Daniel learned and embraced the roofing industry and went on to work for K-Ram Roofing. Daniel was passionate about his work and for a time became known as the "Roof Doctor" where he answered the public's roofing questions on a local radio station on Saturdays. He told the story many times that he was so grateful to have had the opportunity to work for Sunrise Roofing where he worked until the day he passed.

Besides being a hard worker and family man, Daniel's personality and character was his most defining attribute. He was funny and did impressions, an animated storyteller, and creative problem solver. If you gave him the time, he would walk you through all the photos on his iPad sharing family photos and roofing projects. At times he could be loud, and it was hard to decipher if he was talking or yelling but he had a tender heart. He had a burden for the homeless and gave contributions to local shelters and charities. He was so grateful for his ability to work in his 70's, that upon arriving home, he would get on his knees and thank the Lord for bringing him home safely, acknowledging that every good gift came from his Heavenly Father.

Daniel was known to be seen at arts and craft shows, and his love for Native American jewelry was evident in his attire. Monday through Friday Daniel was a blue collared uniformed man, but on the weekends, he enjoyed dressing up in black and wearing his jewelry. He loved customizing jewelry and was proud of the turquoise hot air balloon pin that he designed and wore. Daniel enjoyed taking his sons to gun and knife shows followed by a trip to Helen's Bakery for a bowl of menudo. Gem and mineral shows were also where he enjoyed browsing and bidding on rocks and fossils. He had soul in his bones and his music choices included Barry White, James Brown, and Al Green. He especially liked the way Taylor Dayne sang, Can't Get Enough of Your Love.

After a trip to Washington, D.C . for a Morris Cerullo conference, he was given a Jewish mantle and was prayed for by a man whom Daniel believed was a gift from The Lord. This event spurred his desire to embrace the Jewish heritage of Jesus, and Daniel was known to wear his kippah and tzit tzit often. His faith grew and it was at the age of 55, when he was baptized at New Life Baptist Church. He most recently attended Adat Yeshua Messianic Synagogue and loved the Torah procession. His home is adorned with menorahs and other Jewish symbols of his faith.

His family will miss him dearly and his memory is a blessing. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle will be unmatched by anyone that has ever been or will be. We await our reunion with the return of our King Jesus, when His kingdom will be established.