Daniel Joseph Esquivel, 76, a native of Donaldsonville and a resident of Gonzales, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Elma LeBlanc Esquivel, as well as an affectionate father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a friend to many. Daniel retired as Assistant Vice-President of Security Plan Life Insurance in 1997, after his 36-year career with the company. He will be remembered by his co-workers for his positive outlook and his wonderful work ethic. He loved the career path God chose for him and he invested in the lives of the people he managed. Daniel enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard at age 17, served his country for 21 years and retired with the rank of first sergeant E8. During his tenure with the Guard, he was an inspiration to many, including his subordinates, peers and leaders. While in retirement, he served several years on the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee and the Fort Polk Retiree Council. He took pleasure in assisting many veterans and their surviving spouses in obtaining benefits due to them. In his last days of life, this was evidenced by countless visitors at the hospital and home, who came to his bedside to express their appreciation for his meritorious leadership in the Guard. He was a Notary Public for the state of Louisiana and a member of the Parish Council at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant. Daniel also served as a commissioner of elections at the voting polls. Known as a true community servant, he was always willing to help those in need in his neighborhood. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elma LeBlanc Esquivel; his three sons, Danny Esquivel and his wife, Stephanie LeBlanc Esquivel, Donny Esquivel and his wife, Cindy Barrilleaux Esquivel, and Dickie Esquivel and his wife, Joyce “Tessa” Dinino Esquivel; his only daughter, Dolly Esquivel Andermann; and a brother, Joseph Esquivel, from Lakewood, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father, Delores Esquivel; his mother, Elizabeth Millen Esquivel; and his sister, Mary Elizabeth “Nanny Teeta” Esquivel. Left to cherish his memory are those who always brought a smile to his face, his grandchildren, Shane Esquivel and his wife, Tracy Bourgeois Esquivel, Blaine “Bubba” Esquivel, Heidi Esquivel, Taylor Esquivel, Jene’e Esquivel, Brittany Esquivel and Austin Esquivel; along with his great-grandchildren, Kade, Kobe and Kayle Esquivel. The Esquivel Family would like to express their appreciation to nurses Brandi and Yvette with Amedisys; Certified Nursing Assistants, Ms. Lois Sawyer and Jeannie Hebert, Dr. Michel Hirsch and staff, Dr. Vince Cataldo and staff, fourth floor staff at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet and Dr. Ryan Majoria and staff for the medical attention, love and care given to Mr. Dan throughout his illness. Also, the help and assistance from his neighbors and friends made all the difference in the world. Pallbearers will be Shane Esquivel, Blaine Esquivel, Austin Esquivel, Tommy Prejean, Timmy Prejean, Kenny Frederic, Ben Fields and Mark Cavalier. Visitation will be at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church of Donaldsonville on Friday at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow in the church mausoleum. In celebration of a man who truly lived a Christian life in his words, actions and deeds, please sign the online guest book at www.oursodonaldsonville.com. In lieu of flowers masses preferred. He will be sadly missed by all, but has gone on to a greater reward.
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