Alfonzo Daniel Viola

Dan was born March 20, 1949 to Mildred and Alfonzo Viola in Denver.  They gave him the name Alfonzo Daniel, but he always was Danny and then Dan.  Early childhood years he was the best cowboy in the New West.  Daily decked out in the full gear and insisted his younger brother Steve be his side-kick.   The play gunfights gave way to school days at St. James Catholic School in Northeast Denver and newspaper routes.  He and Steve had at times 5 routes between them.  In the dead of winter they bundled up in long-johns and mukluks and hauled papers on a sled with their younger sisters Gina and Laura perched on top of the papers.  Dan was one of the first crazed fans of the Beatles, the Denver Bears and the Broncos.  He listened to the hits on KIMN radio and figured out how to be the first caller on “name-it-and-claim-it.”  Amassing a large collection of early 60’s 45’s besides his dear Beatles.  With his brother Steve, he built an ice rink that covered the entire back yard and later an underground clubhouse.

This fun ended for those at home when Dan went off to College at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1970.  His attention was quickly diverted by a stunning young lady named Kathy.  Michelle, Daniel, Sharon and Ann came along thereafter. 

Family years went by as Dan became an insurance agent, milk man, a pizza delivery man and finally a stint with his own pizzeria -- all the while dreaming of more amazing lives, Las Vegas and untold riches.  Exactly as his Beatle hero once sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”  (John Lennon.)

Dan had a beautiful mind. More important than a genius IQ, his mind gave him ideas, possibilities, opportunity, solutions and caring.  He never stopped caring for his family and using his beautiful mind.

Dan spent his final years in Evergreen, Colorado at Life Care Center, visited by his family.  He was sadly plagued by serious medical issues his entire life, which aged him too soon.  He was only 68, but is now at peace.

Dan is survived by his brother and two sisters, four children and six grandchildren.

Donations will be welcomed by National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI – see donations tab).  

 Service Information