RIOS, SR., Daniel Bejarano

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona Tuesday, June 19, 2012 Daniel Bejarano Rios, Sr., also known as Danny, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa, Ariz. Danny was born in Globe, Ariz. on Jan. 17, 1954 to Donato “Nato” and Velia B. Rios. He graduated from Miami High School in 1972 and enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. He honorably served our country for over 23 years, which included active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was awarded many medals, awards and ribbons for his dedicated service and took extreme pride in being a member of the Armed Forces and being a Veteran. Danny found joy in helping people. He joined the Town of Miami Volunteer Fire Department and later became a certified EMT. Throughout his career, he worked at Pinto Valley Mine, Gila Health Medical Clinic and the Town of Miami. Danny was a loving father and friend. His greatest loves were his children, whom he affectionately referred to as Reene, Mica-Carmen, Dano Boy and Desi Lucy. Danny was also a very talented drummer for the majority of his life and played with several bands over the years. He enjoyed listening to music, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his big heart and kind and generous spirit; Danny didn’t have much but he would give you the shirt off his back or his last dollar if you needed it. Danny had a great sense of humor and you were guaranteed to have a good time with him and leave knowing you were special to him. He was a wonderful person and loved by everyone he knew. He will be deeply missed. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Velia and Nato. Danny leaves behind in loving memory his brother, David Mesa; Fiancé, Elisha Purcella; three daughters, Corinne, Monica (Damian) and Desiray; one son, Daniel, Jr.; and three grandchildren, Micayla, Alexia and Landon (who he was especially proud of); along with a host of many other family members and friends, all of whom were equally very special to him. Services for Danny Rios will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Pilgrim Rest Church in Phoenix, Ariz. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by his home-going service at 11 a.m. Danny will be laid to rest immediately following at the National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, Ariz. with full military honors. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Universal Memorial South Mountain Mortuary.