Emmy-award winning television director Daniel Perez died suddenly at his home in Lincoln, CA on August 22, 2023. He was 68. Dan was known throughout his life as a man of great intelligence, learning, wit, and generosity-of-sprit. Dan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary, his children Nicholas, Christopher, Patrick and Aubrey, his daughter-in-law, Alison and his grandchildren Austin, and Madelyn.
Born in 1954 in Dallas Texas to Gabriel and Geneva Perez, Dan grew up in Berkeley, California along with his 4 siblings, Paul, Theresa, Robert, and Rebecca.
After moving to Colorado in the mid 70’s and graduating from the University of Colorado, Dan embarked on a lengthy career as a television director, and producer, starting at Chanel 11 KKTV in Colorado Springs, before moving to Denver, to direct the nightly news for Channel 9 KUSA.
During his time at KUSA Dan produced and directed multiple “specials” with some of his favorites being Waves of Speed, (coverage of the Coors International Bicycle Classic), Race to the Clouds (coverage of the Pikes Peak Hill climb), and Promises in the Mist, (a documentary on mountain gorillas).
In August 1989 Daniel joined the Fox Television in Washington D.C. where he
directed America’s Most Wanted, Not Just News and Comic Strip Live. After several years at Fox Television, Dan was lured back to the thrill and excitement of directing a live nightly news show and joining Channel 4 NBC also in Washington DC. As in Denver Dan, produced and directed many ”specials” such as the Vida Awards and Let there be Light.
Dan won 11 Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts and Science for directing and producing special programming. However, his real passion, besides his family, was the pursuit of learning. In addition to a bachelor’s degrees in psychology from the University of Colorado, Dan received a Master of Arts degree from American University, and a Master of Science degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco.
Dan was a long standing member of the Directors Guild of America and was very active in promoting the Film and Arts in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dan wished to be cremated and his ashes will be scattered at sea in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to National Public Radio, an organization that Dan strongly supported throughout his life.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lincolnfuneralchapel.com for the Perez family.
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