Daniel Escalante

1952 - 2022

DANIEL ESCALANTE

December 13, 1952 - August 18, 2022

Our beloved Dan Escalante passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the age of 69. He was born in Bakersfield, CA, to Daniel and Julia Escalante on December 13, 1952, and raised in Shafter, CA, where he attended school and graduated from Shafter High School in 1971.

Dan began working with Safeway and Vons at a fairly young age and enjoyed the many different hats he wore throughout his 46-year career. He was an active member of SEA (Safeway Employee's Association) and VEA (Vons Employee's Association) for many years and also served as the VEA President for some time. He enjoyed organizing trips, barbecues, and other various employee functions. Dan touched many peoples lives, was a mentor, and was loved by his work family and customers who frequented the store.

While working at the Safeway store on Niles St., Dan met his beautiful wife, Elaine Compagnoni. Elaine worked next door at the Tejon Drug Store and would frequent Safeway on her lunch break. One might say it was love at first sight. Danny and Elaine married on November 1, 1975, and began their life together. They enjoyed many trips to Santa Barbara, Carmel, and Maui, to name a few. They loved shopping for treasures at antique stores and used their special finds to decorate their home and back yard - the back yard where they would spend countless nights enjoying the view and gazing at the stars.

Dan and Elaine raised three wonderful boys together; Anthony, David, and Matthew. Dan passed along his talents and passion for his hobbies to his boys. Anthony shared Dan's love of woodworking. The two would spend countless hours building masterpieces, big and small, in Dans beloved wood shop.

Dan and David went on camping trips to Yosemite, one of their favorite places. They would set up elaborate campsites, cook delicious meals around a campfire, and find new trails to hike. They spent time exploring Maui and already had another trip planned soon.

Dan and Matt enjoyed their daily morning coffee and talks over breakfast, sitting on Dan and Elaine's back patio, taking in the fresh air and the view of the Bakersfield foothills. Memories like these last forever.

Danny also cherished his daughter-in-law, Janet. She was a daughter to him and held a special place in his heart. He was very grateful to have her in their lives.

Dan was also known as Papa, his most cherished title yet. He spent much of his time doting on his two granddaughters, Talia and Ella. You often found them playing or cooking together in the kitchen. He would frequently take them on secret errands, where they'd go to Carla's Drive-In or Starbucks. He loved his granddaughters. They were the true light of his life. Dan's love for the girls shone through when he and Anthony built a beautiful playhouse, especially for them. It was meticulously hand-built, painted, and decorated, sparing no details.

Dan leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 46 years, Elaine, sons Anthony (Janet), David, and Matthew, granddaughters Talia and Ella, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, customers, and the SHS Class of '71. We will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and funny sense of humor.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital for the compassionate and exceptional care they provided during Dan's short stay.

They'd also like to thank all of our family and friends for their support and prayers, specifically Monte Valpredo, who Dan worked alongside in his retirement, helping to make and deliver Luigi's Spices to stores around town. Dan looked forward to his Thursdays With Monte and considered him family and one of his closest friends.

www.bakersfield.com/obits