Daniel Morales Sr.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Daniel Morales Sr., a loving husband, father and grandfather. Dan was a long time resident of Watsonville. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 31, 2023 at the age of 74.

Dan had a large family and is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Sylvia R. Morales; three sons: Daniel Morales Jr., Benjamin Morales (spouse Christina Morales) and Mark Escobedo, two daughters: Wendy Van Winkle (spouse Randy Van Winkle) and Michele Resendez (spouse Francisco Vasquez); 17 grandchildren: Freddy, Tyler, Jonathan, Joseph, Marissa, Marky, Alissa, Jasmine, Sarissa, Isaiah, Geannah, Gabriel, Julian, Aaron, Jocelyn, Joshua and Jake; six great-grandchildren: Ricardo Jr., Aziel, Michael, Mylah, Anastacia and Marina (who is on the way); his mother Pauline Quintero; four brothers; five sisters; numerous nephews, nieces and extended family.

Dan was born in Bakersfield, CA in 1948 and moved to Watsonville at the age of four where his roots were deeply planted. Dan held various jobs from working in the fields, to driving a tractor and custodial positions. In 1984, Dan met Sylvia, the love of his life and best friend and the rest was history. Dan and Sylvia were each other's pillars of strength who did everything together. Their marriage lasted just shy of 38 years. Dan had a wonderful sense of humor and laughed often as he was quite the jokester. Dan enjoyed fishing, listening to music, dancing, gardening and having family BBQ's. He was a fan of the famous green plant 420. hee hee! He had a severe weakness for coffee and sweets. Dan had quite the collection of eagles, owls and skulls. His favorite holiday was Halloween as that brought out the kid in him. Dan LOVED his grandchildren very much and had the utmost patience with them. His grandkids called him Papa and look back on their wonderful memories of him pulling them around in a wagon, reading to them, telling stories, helping them with homework, taking them for ice cream and doughnuts, flying kites at the park and cooking pancakes and oatmeal for them. Dan had a strong Christian faith and was a prayer warrior. Although he has left our lives, he will never leave our hearts. He will forever be missed.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 5-9PM at 222 East Lake Avenue in Watsonville.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 6, 2023