Daniel Wayne Saladin

Daniel Wayne Saladin, beloved husband, father, grandpa/papa, and great grandpa, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022, with the Love of his life by his side.  Dan was born on January 21, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Virginia Schmedake Saladin and Harold Saladin.  He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having honorably served from 1966-1970.  He married the Love of his life, Rita, in 1975 and instantly became the father of 3 pre-teenage daughters (brave man!).  In 1978, they had the son he had so longed for.  He was the proud grandpa/papa of 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Dan worked for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for many years, first as a contractor, and then as a full-time Sandian for 25 years, retiring in 2008. He was a retired wedding photographer, which is how he met his "Goose".  He was part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for over 35 years, first as a crew member and volunteer, and then becoming a commercial pilot and certified instructor.  He flew his first balloon, the Golden Goose, and then the Wild Goose, in 25 Balloon Fiestas.  He loved football and was sure to root for his Cardinals, Chiefs, and ABD every week!

Dan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rita (“Goose”), his brother, Billy Saladin, his daughters, Ida Tenorio (Randy), Maria Gallegos (Jim Salas), and Linda Hrdlicka (Jeff), his son, David Saladin (Annette), his grandchildren, Erica DeVaney (Lucas), Olivia Desmond (Joe), Meagan McCurley (Ryan), Nicholas Tenorio, Josiah Armijo, Shaylene Saladin, and Tara Saladin, and his first great grandchild, Logan DeVaney, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, David, and his daughter, Carla.

Pallbearers are Jim Salas, Randy Tenorio, Lucas DeVaney, Ryan McCurley, Nicholas Tenorio, and Josiah Armijo.  Honorary pallbearers are Erica, Oliva, Meagan, Shaylene, Logan, Tara, and Joe.

Visitation will take place on Monday, September 26, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Daniels Family Funeral Home, 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM.  A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, September 27, 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM.

Daniels Family Funeral Services

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

505-884-1188