Danny R. Catano

In Loving Memory of Danny Cataño It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Danny Cataño, a beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, best friend, and longtime member of the Willcox community. Danny was the baby brother of his family, a title that stayed with him throughout his life. To those who loved him, he was so much more than a brother. He was part of the stories, the laughter, the music, and the memories that made their family what it is. Danny spent more than 35 years working at Safeway, where he became much more than a familiar face. Over the decades, he formed friendships and connections with generations of people throughout Willcox. It seemed like everyone knew Danny, and Danny knew everyone. His more than three decades at Safeway became an important part of his life and helped make him such a well-known and deeply loved member of the Willcox community. Danny had many passions throughout his life, but karate and music were especially important to him. A third-degree black belt, Danny not only practiced karate, he shared his knowledge with others as an instructor. He owned and operated his own dojo, The Royal Dragon School of Karate, where he taught classes and passed along the discipline, skill, and respect for the art that meant so much to him. Danny also had a lifelong love of music. He loved playing the guitar and singing, especially when he could play alongside his family. Whether through the lessons he taught in his dojo or the songs he played on his guitar, Danny left pieces of himself with the people fortunate enough to share those moments with him. Above everything else, Danny was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, John Cataño and his wife, Marissa, and their children, Celeste and Dominic; his daughter, Terri Quinones, and her daughters, Britney and Hannah; and Refugio Cataño, and his children, Emilio and Anthony. Danny was preceded in death by his son, Robert, and Lucy. He is also survived by his brothers, Jessie and his wife, Beverley, Mack, and Rudy; his niece, Belen, who shared many visits and special moments with Danny while accompanying Jessie; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Danny’s longtime best friend, Cindy Allaire, held a special place in his life, as did Cindy’s family, including her daughter, Cabriela, and grandchildren, Stetson and Paisley. Danny leaves behind countless friends and people who loved him. His life touched far more people than could ever be named individually. Danny’s final days brought together his family, friends, neighbors, law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and members of the community who refused to give up hope. The tremendous outpouring of prayers, shared information, time, and effort during the search for Danny was a powerful reflection of just how many lives he touched and how deeply he was loved. While his family wishes more than anything that they could have had more time with him, they are grateful for the years they were given—the laughter, the stories, the music, and all of the memories that will now be carried forward by those who loved him. Danny will be remembered in guitar strings and familiar songs, in the lessons he taught, in stories told around the family table, in the faces of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and throughout the Willcox community that knew and loved him for so many years. His absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but his memory will remain wherever his family gathers, wherever stories about him are told, and wherever his songs are played. Services A Rosary will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Westlawn Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by the procession and burial. Rest peacefully, Danny. You were searched for with hope, found with love, and you will be remembered always.

Danny R. Catano

May 28, 1955 - August 26, 2026