Dan was born on July 14, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to Gaudencio Estrello and Mary Alcalá Estrello. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1952 and went on to proudly serve his country during the Korean War in both the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. He was especially proud of his service as an airborne paratrooper.
Following his military service, Dan returned to Port Arthur, where he married the love of his life, Rose Marie Garcia, on September 5, 1958. Together, they built a life rooted in family, community, and of Catholic faith. Dan began a long and dedicated career with the Texas Highway Department, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 1988.
Throughout his life, Dan was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to his full-time career, he held various side jobs over the years, including working at Wilson’s Department Store, Blackmon’s Gulf Service Station, and Noack Locksmith. He also filmed high school football games, designed team bowling shirts, and managed multiple newspaper delivery routes.
Dan had a deep passion for sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. Softball held a special place in his heart, whether he was playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines. Among his proudest athletic accomplishments was setting a record on a cross-country two-and-a-half-mile course in 1952.
Above all, Dan cherished time with his family. He and Rose were fixtures at parties and gatherings and could always be found enthusiastically supporting their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at games and events—often with a stack of two-dollar bills in hand to pass out.
Dan also had a remarkable gift for calligraphy. His handmade birthday cards were treasured by many, often accompanied by a ring or heart he carefully crafted from a dollar bill—small gestures that became lasting memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lupe Reyes and Josephine Picazo; and his brothers-in-law, Tony Garcia, Vic Garcia, Tony Reyes, and Ernest Picazo.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Rose Estrello; his son, Danny Estrello and wife Kristina of Nederland, Texas; his daughter, Liz Colicher and partner Mary Macaluso of Magnolia, Texas; his grandchildren, Diane Lachausse, Kristy Borden (Dave), Erica Clark (Andrew), Darci Ward (Tobin), Demi Stillinger (Blake), Katelyn Smith (Daniel), Tori McQuerry (Jake), Michael Estrello, Derek Estrello, and Tre’ Smith (Mary); as well as 21 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, 4841 39th St, Port Arthur, Texas 77642, on April 27, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A Catholic Funeral Mass to Celebrate the Life of Daniel will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3648 S/Sgt. Lucian Adams Drive, Port Arthur, Texas 77642, on April 27, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Dan will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, Texas. Family and friends will be invited back to Grammier-Oberle following burial to share memories of Dan over a meal.
