Daniel was born 9/18/1928 and spent his early years as a lineman hanging power lines in various parts of New Mexico before finding his way to Artesia in 1949 where he worked at Artesia Locker plant and then Payne Packing meat plant when he was 22 years old. He ultimately retired from Payne Packing after working there for 39 years, and helped his middle son, Andy, build and open his shop, A B Enterprise in 1992, where he helped in various capacities for 10 years. He met his wife Carmen Jaquez in Artesia in 1959 and they were married on August 31st 1960. They shared a beautiful life for 64 years in which they raised 3 sons- Danny Joe Brito who would have been 62 this year, Andy Brito (59) and Steve Brito (55). He was also blessed with a total of 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren that he was able cherish and enjoy for many years. He is also survived by 2 sisters-Concha Hernandez and Lucema Brito and 1 brother- Mando Brito.

 Anyone who knew Daniel would always recognize his presence. He stood out in any room no matter how many people were there. Always a striking presence, and a stern look but the kindest heart behind those eyes. He had a work ethic that was second to none and was truly an example of what it meant to work hard for what was needed to take care of his family. He almost single handedly and tirelessly transformed the small one bedroom and one bathroom house that he and his wife bought when they first married into what is now a sprawling house with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 main living areas, which most of which was custom made to accommodate their oldest son Danny who was in a wheelchair all his life. Even up to the day of his passing, the man was tending to his yard and garden, and working on the house that he spent his life making into what was needed for his family. He could regularly be seen on the roof of said house, or in his garden even in his 90’s, which can’t be said very often. 

So much can be said about how hard the man worked all his life, and how devoted he was to his family, and how he and his wife tirelessly cared for their oldest son, which was 24/7. It would be easy to say that was everything that there is to his story, but with Daniel, there was still more. He cared for and loved his neighbors like he loved himself, (even though he put up a small fence to keep the neighbors’ leaves from going into his yard), he would walk to everyone’s house on the street, talking and delivering food and checking in on those that were alone. He and Carmen would regularly be asked to run the Marcha at weddings and various celebrations, or to cook food such as biscochos, tamales, beans and rice –it didn’t matter. Despite everything they both had going on, they made time for others in the family, or neighbors or friends. They regularly opened their doors for various member of the family to live with them when needed. They supported and helped in so many ways. How can this all be summed up in one obituary? For a man that lived for 94 years of a strong and beautiful life, it truly cannot. 

He was the cornerstone of the family for so long, and will continue to be spiritually in many ways.

 A viewing is scheduled Wednesday March 29th at 8:30am to 9:30am followed by the rosary at 9:30am and funeral services are scheduled at 10 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Artesia. 

Funeral services being handled by Terpening and Sons funeral home.

 Floral services are being handled by Love Bud Floral in Artesia.