Daniel Celio Benavidez

Daniel was born on March 31, 1936, in Trinidad, Colorado, to his loving parents, Marie Estella (Gallegos) and Celio Benavidez.

He attended St. Mary’s High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico in his youth. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1956. Daniel was proud that he landed his first job at White Sands Missile Range. He then got a job in Blythe, California. However, he and his wife, Dolores, decided that was not the life for them. Dan applied for a job at the Federal Aviation Administration in Longmont, Colorado where he had a successful career as a Flight Data Processing Unit supervisor. He won the position and in 1960. His family then moved to the City of Longmont; the city became his first true love. He later attended the University of Northern Colorado and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Daniel was well known for his tireless involvement in his community through human rights activism groups and social services support, receiving many awards. Dan was on the Longmont City Council for 10 years and was Mayor Pro Tem as well. He was a co-founder of Eco_Cycle and was on the board for 16 years. He was a community activist involved in politics and Hispanic heritage and made great efforts towards diversity and inclusion. He impacted many young adults through his motivational speeches. He was a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont.

When Daniel was not actively involved in his community he devoted his time and love to his extensive family. He was a proud and loving father and is remembered and cherished as having the best jokes and striving to make a significant impact on the world.

He is survived by his loving daughters Celia Ann Benavidez and Elaine Marie Benavidez; his grandchildren Aja Marie Ramos, Layla Anne Baca, and Jeremiah Cecilio Medina; and his great-grandchildren, Francisco Ramos IV, Vicente Ramos, Natalie Baca, and Carlos Baca. He is further survived by his sister Leola Benavidez (Cline), her children Jeff Chavez and Jennifer Hartman-Chavez, and his nieces and nephews Geri, Theresa, Barb, Rocky, Renee, Tracy, Chris, and Fred.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Robert Lee Benavidez, Stella Louis Benavidez, and sister-in-law Dolores Benavidez. Daniel was also preceded in death by his nephew Jeff Chavez

Daniel will forever be deeply loved and greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of meeting such an inspiring and loving man. His wish was that all people were respected no matter their race or ethnicity and to ensure all have equal rights. His family will fondly remember him as a world changer.

A rosary will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Longmont, with a reception to follow. On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. Daniel will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Memorial donations can be made to El Comite de Longmont.

Please visit www.howemortuary.com to leave condolences and share memories with the Benavidez family.