| Graduation Year | Class of 1966 |
| Date of Birth | Jun 28, 1947 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 08, 2025 |
| About | Danny Joseph Esgate was born in Yakima, Washington, at St. Elizabeth Hospital on June 28, 1947. His parents were Jane (Giovanna Chianello) and Harry Esgate. He passed away on October 8, 2025, from a probable myocardial infarction. Danny attended Gilbert Elementary, Wilson Junior High, and Eisenhower High School, graduating in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1969. During his tour, he worked as a track vehicle repairman, serving in Korea and Germany. At that time, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter M-14. When Dan returned home, he worked at various jobs. He attended Yakima Valley Community College and completed his studies in auto mechanics, earning his certificate in 1972. In 1976, Dan married and later divorced in 1979. They had one son, Joseph Foster Esgate, who resides in Yakima, WA. Life was hard then, so he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1981. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, until 1986, when he was medically discharged. Once again, Dan settled in Yakima and was employed with Al's Auto Supply for many years. When he became disabled, his focus was on his dear companion, a cocker spaniel named Sandy. In the snowy winter of 2001, while visiting his sister, a tuxedo cat jumped into his arms as he was standing in the doorway to leave. Albert went home with Dan and lived with him for about 20 years. As pain limited his abilities, Dan's compassion for animals increased. He accepted every stray or feral cat that came to his doorstep and provided them shelter and nourishment above his own needs. Dan's parents, Jane and Harry Esgate, preceded his death, as well as most of his aunts and uncles in the Esgate, Scheinost, and Chianello families. Survivors living in Yakima, WA, include his son, Joseph Esgate; sister, Lillian (Bill) Hammett; and three nieces: Tammy (Johnny) Rose, Tanya (Erik) Michel, and Melissa (Chuck) Simmons. The next two generations live in Yakima, except one family in El Paso, Texas, and another in Kuna, Idaho. One aunt, Ida Russo, and her family reside in Bagheria, Sicily. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery at 1 p.m. on November 14, 2025. A Memorial Service will follow at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wags to Riches Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 3177, Union Gap, WA 98903, or to Freedom Pantry for Veterans, PMB 164, Yakima, WA 98908. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com. |
