Daniel Joe Lyle

Danny Joe Lyle, beloved son, husband and father, died Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at the age of 63, after a 14 year journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. He was born in Albuquerque, NM, on September 4, 1951, to Tom and Janet Lyle, the second son of seven children. A Catholic from birth, Danny Joe’s life was guided by his enduring faith in a loving God and his unwavering belief that a measure of a man’s soul was his love for his family and for those he served. After graduating from St. Pius High School, Danny Joe continued his education at NMSU in Las Cruces, NM, where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in economics. While in Las Cruces, Danny Joe met and married the love of his life, Linda. They had three precious sons: Jeremiah, Ryan and Stephen who were his light and joy. Danny Joe’s life’s work was public education business and he served as the chief school business officer of Farmington Public Schools, Las Cruces Public Schools, Albuquerque Public Schools and Bernalillo Public Schools. In 1996, he became the Director of the NM Educational Retirement Board and, in that capacity, a lobbyist in Santa Fe for education issues. Danny Joe was passionate about education in New Mexico; his framework always included “Our children are the most important thing we will ever do with our lives. They are our future and the decisions we make today will change the world for our children tomorrow.” Danny Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Janet; his daughter, Rebekkah; and his grand-son, Daniel. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda; his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeremiah and Jennifer Lyle (Alb), Ryan and Beth Lyle (Alb) Stephen and Kathryn Lyle  (Alb); his father, Tom Lyle (Jemez, NM); his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Thom and Linda Lyle (Placitas, NM), Steve Lyle (Farmington, NM), Peter and Christine Lyle (Bernalillo, NM), Jana and Paul Ortiz Pino (Rio Rancho, NM), Julie and Tony Pino (Alb); Rebecca Lyle and John Hartigan (Austin, TX); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Danny Joe defined ‘family’ very broadly and through the years, many precious friends became part of the Lyle family story. As his family loved and supported him in his life’s journey with Alzheimer’s, it became obvious that the circle of family was indeed a village. Our family is so grateful to the care giving team of North Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center who became part of our family for the past three years and who loved DJ as their own; to Dr. Jeff Miller who met every need of DJ as well as his family; to Heritage Hospice (Matt, Wendy, Jamie and Jessica) who tenderly cared for all of us; to those who have prayed for us every day; and to our New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired family who, individually and collectively have been the spiritual and emotional rock that have grounded us in this journey. Danny Joe was a life-long learner who believed everyone should have the opportunity to grow in their chosen field. In the years our family has lived with the challenges of younger onset Alzheimer’s, we have recognized the desperate need for well-trained people in the field of memory care. In tribute to DJ’s valiant journey, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to CNM Foundation, 525 Buena Vista Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, or at www.cnm.edu/donate to support scholarships for certified nursing assistants interested in memory care. To do this, go to the link labeled "donate to other causes not listed." CNM will contact you further regarding donating in memory of Danny Joe Lyle. A Liturgy of Resurrection will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015, at St. John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at a later date. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010