Daniel Joseph Yacovetta

Dan Yacovetta passed from this life on March 31, 2025, at the age of 88, following a brief illness and complications of aging. 

He was born on May 4, 1936, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Dan's values were shaped by his parents, Dan and Marcella Yacovetta, who raised him and his younger brother , Donald, in Denver. From his father, he learned the power of hard work, grit, and resourcefulness. The loss of his angel mother at a young age left a lasting mark. Her devotion to God remained a guiding light in his life. This early foundation remained with him, as he was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith throughout his entire life. 

Dan had a deep love for family, which he showed through his efforts to uplift them. For nearly three years, he faithfully took one of his granddaughters, who was bravely battling cancer, to her therapy appointments twice a week, He attended countless sporting events, cheerleading competitions, choir concerts, theater performances, and dance recitals for all his grandchildren, always showing up to support and celebrate with them in everything they pursued. 

His generosity and service reached far beyond his family. He volunteered in hospitals to comfort the sick, supported those battling addiction, and joyfully cheered on participants while volunteering with the Special Olympics. For the final decade of his life, he faithfully served every Friday afternoon at his Catholic parish, assisting with perpetual adoration. 

His life was forever blessed when he married Shirley Jean Spalding in May 1959, in Santa Rosa, California. Together, they raised four children - Jeanie (Tom Balagna), Anne (Ed Lease), Kay (Michael Jones), and Mark (Robin). As the years passed, their family grew to include 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom they loved deeply - and who deeply loved them in return. 

Dan excelled in high school and earned all-state honors as a football player at Cathedral High School while helping his team win the state championship in his senior year. He briefly attended Regis College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. he spent two and a half years as an Aviation Radioman during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Japan, during a training drill, he and his crew were tailed by enemy Russian planes. He spoke of the great fear he felt in that moment - and of the deep gratitude he carried for the heavenly help that brought him safely through such a terrifying experience. 

Following his military service, Dan began a lifelong career in real estate, becoming a respected commercial developer in Colorado, California, New Mexico and Texas. His work earned him numerous awards and the trust of many. He never retired, choosing instead to continue doing what he loved, finding purpose and joy in his work until the end of his life. 

He embraced life and was always ready for an adventure - whether weeklong horseback trips through the Colorado wilderness, competing in a 50-mile race, or parasailing in Hawaii at the age of 84. He was creative at his core and found joy in making the world more beautiful through gardening, drawing, floral design, and painting. While living in assisted care, he took it upon himself to plant and care for the flowers in the residence garden - simply to bring joy to others. 

He was a fierce competitor in everything he did - from business ventures to rounds of golf, running in Bolder Boulder, and playing card games. His children and grandchildren have countless memories of playing Gin Rummy or Hearts with him, though winning against him was rare. 

He was also a devoted sports fan with a lifelong loyalty to the Denver Broncos. A season ticket holder for decades, he supported the team from its earliest, struggling days. When no one else wanted to go, he brought his young children to every home game, instilling in them the same passion for the Broncos. 

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Shirley, children and their spouses, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Marcella, and his brother, Donald. 

Dan/Dad/Ponka will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him for his counsel, service, laughter and above all, his love. 

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:00pm at Horan and McConaty Family Chapel at 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave, Aurora, CO 80014. Friends and family are invited to gather beforehand from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:30am at Ave Maria Catholic Church at 9056 E. Parker Rd, Parker, CO 80138. Inurnment will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236.