Daniel Ray Aldrich

53, of Pinedale, passed away Wednesday January 13

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, 2016 after a 22-month fight against colon cancer in Phoenix, Arizona. Dan was born on March 6

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, 1962 in Buffalo, New York to Floyd and Ione Aldrich. He attended elementary and some high school in Waterloo, New York and graduated from Ottowa-Glandorf High School in Ottawa, Ohio in 1980. He graduated from Purdue University in 1984. Soon after, he moved to Arizona to begin his 32-year career as an aerospace engineer for Honeywell. He ended his career as the Senior Technical Manager and was awarded the prestigious Navigator Award for innovation in aerospace engineering. On April 1

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, 1989, Dan married the love of his life, Donna, and together they raised their two children, Laura (25) and Anthony (19). Dan was an outdoor enthusiast. He avidly enjoyed hiking, camping, swimming, dirt-biking and all that the Arizona weather and landscape has to offer. Dan leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Donna, two children Laura and Anthony, his parents Floyd and Ione Aldrich, his brothers Kenny and Mike, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Dan’s wish was that, “no child should have to go through cancer.” In memory of Dan, we ask that you make a donation in his name to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children and/or Jen’s Thank You Alliance, which provides financial assistance for young adult cancer survivors. Donations can be made online or checks payable in the organization’s name. A Visitation will be held from 11:00am – 12:00pm with a Memorial Service at 12:00pm, Monday, January 18, 2016 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A reception will follow at Christ Church Lutheran, 3901 E. Indian School Road. Phoenix, AZ. The family asks that you join Dan in rooting on his team, the Arizona Cardinals, by wearing your favorite Cardinals jersey or something red, dressing up is optional.