Dan (King Daniel) Washington

Dan Washington, the eldest of two children, was born on October 2, 1941, to King Daniel Washington Sr. and Beatrice Reynolds. He described his upbringing as warm, loving, and affectionate—an environment that shaped the strong family values he upheld throughout his life. In a heartfelt letter to his daughter, Dan shared that his personal values included self-direction, productivity, creativity, a passion for learning, and independent thinking. He exemplified these ideals every day of his life.

Dan attended the Greenwich Public School System in Connecticut. After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at Danbury State Teachers College (now Western Connecticut State University), where he excelled and graduated in 1963 with a major in mathematics. He began doctoral work at Colorado State University.

Dan began his professional journey as a mathematics teacher in New York City. In the 1970s, he and his young family moved to Denver, Colorado, where he continued his distinguished career in education with Jefferson County Public Schools. Over more than thirty years, he taught math at North Arvada Middle School, and he later served as an Assistant Principal at O’Connell Elementary School, and he worked as a School Expulsion Hearing Officer before retiring.

A man of many talents, Dan was deeply devoted to music. He was a youth member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he sang in the Junior Choir and the Boy’s Chorus. As a young man, he performed with a Doo-Wop group called The Chords and later played saxophone at local clubs in and around New York City.

Scouting was another significant part of Dan’s life. Under the guidance of his father—Scout Commissioner of the first African American Boy Scout Troop in Greenwich, CT—Dan thrived in the Boy Scouts of America and proudly earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He cherished the time he spent camping and participating in Jamborees with his father.

Dan was an avid reader and enthusiastic world traveler. He especially loved cruises, finding peace and joy sailing across the ocean, particularly in the Caribbean. It was his wish that when his time on Earth was complete, he would take one last cruise with his loved ones in spirit.

Family gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas were among Dan’s favorite moments. He would assemble his family in a circle to reflect on those who had passed, and to express gratitude for the love and connection with those present — a testament to the deep importance he placed on family unity.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, King Daniel and Beatrice; his children, Sarah and Kirk; and his grandson, Kameron. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Joyce; his sister, Marsha; his children Kenneth (Trella), Karen (Rodney), and Brian (Katia); his beloved grandchildren Kristopher, Camille, Kevin, Brian Jr., Maya, Daniel, Ciarra, Simone, Sarah, and Yolanda Rose. His memory will live on in the hearts of his many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Dan Washington’s life was one of purpose, passion, and love. His legacy as a teacher, musician, mentor, and family man will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing him.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on July 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The memorial service will be held at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, located at 11150 E. Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014.