Dan Damacio Archuleta

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Dan Archuleta, beloved husband, father and Yayo, of Albuquerque, NM was called home to rest with Our Lord and His Holy Mother on Thursday, January 20, 2022.  He passed away in Cumming, GA from complications due to COVID, with his wife by his side.  He was 76 years old.

Dan was born on April 13, 1945 in Taos, NM. He graduated from Taos High School in 1963 and went on to study Electronics at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, before enlisting in the United Stated Air Force in 1965 where he served proudly for over 30 years. While in the Air Force he received the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 device, the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 devices, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 devices, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, US Navy Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation with 2 devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 7 devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with 6 devices, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 2 devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 6 devices. He attended the Community College of the Air Force where he studied Aerospace Ground Equipment. He spent 6 years as the Senior Enlisted Advisor in Zaragoza, Spain before retiring in Kirkland AFB, Albuquerque, NM working for the Inspector General.

During his early years of service, he found himself in Zaragoza Air Base, Spain (1968) where he met and married the love of his life, Esperanza Manzanero Ramayo on September 27, 1969. They had an exemplary love like no other.

Dan’s greatest love was for God, his Catholic faith, his family, and his country.  There was never a time he was not serving God, from altar server as a child, to Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher, and many other roles including Brother of Adoration, Community, Theology & Service. He had a profound love for Our Lady of Lourdes and the Rosary and a dutiful heart for the souls of the dearly departed. He mastered many things one of which was TaeKwonDo. Once he achieved his black belt, he taught TaeKwonDo to many throughout his military career and continued teaching until his passing. He achieved his 4th degree black belt in his 70’s! Additionally, no matter where he was, he always looked forward to hitting the course for a good round of golf.

Dan touched so many people throughout his life, as a friend, mentor, leader, role model and inspiration.  He loved to make people laugh with his not-always funny jokes. He took chances, stood for his beliefs, and helped whenever he could. He loved spending time with his three grandchildren, teaching them TaeKwonDo, taking them to their favorite spot, “Cinco Vatos” also known as “5 Guys,” and going out for ice cream. He loved traveling with his wife, taking her out, and hosting patio tapa nights with family and friends and introducing them to one of his favorite drinks, sol y sombra. 

Dan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Esperanza Archuleta of Albuquerque, NM; two daughters, Maria (Loli) and John McMahon, of Cumming, GA and Anna and Joe DeLaCruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; his three grandkids, Micheál, Olivia and Vanessa; sisters Lilly Fernandez and Mary Lou Torres; brother, Arthur Archuleta; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins around the globe.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Felima (Martinez) Archuleta and sister, Eva Jo Romero.

His Celebration of Life & Faith will begin with a Rosary (9:30 AM) followed by the funeral mass (10:00 AM) on February 4th at Church of the Incarnation, 2309 Monterey Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM.

Burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 PM, 501 N Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM with full military honors.

It is requested that families wear masks and comply with current social distancing guidelines.

Dan always wanted his life to be celebrated, disliked the gloom of everyone in black, and always said, “No one is to wear black when I go! My favorite color is Blue, any shade of Blue!” If possible, please help us honor that request.