Daniel Brito

Daniel Lara (Tata) Brito died peacefully in his home on the night of March 20th, 2023, in
the bed he shared with his soulmate for 62 years. Daniel, a resident of Artesia, NM for
over 63 years was 94 years old at the time of his death and was originally from Presidio,
TX.
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.
If you would like to make donations to the family, please contact Andy Brito @ 575-365-
6275. If you would like to provide flowers to the services, please contact Love Bud
Floral in Artesia.