Eugene B. Daniels Jr.

1939 - 2024

Eugene B ("Dan") Daniels Jr
November 21, 1939 - August 16, 2024
Dr. Eugene B. Daniels Jr (known widely as "Dan") passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of 84. His daughter and son-in -law were by his side. The Barber of Seville, one of his favorite operas, accompanied his departure from this world. He is survived by his sister, Daphne Johnson, of Laurel, MD, his daughter, Katherine "Kate" Hattenbach and her husband Steve, and his two beloved granddaughters, Terra Alison and Persephone Acadia, of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by ex-wife but longtime friend, Lois Daniels, of Cheshire, CT.
Dan was born to Colonel Eugene B ("Dan") Daniels, Sr and wife Marion in Washington DC on November 21, 1939. His childhood was spent both in DC and living abroad with his family for many years. Dan received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, and his PhD in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. Known by many as Dr. Dan or Dr. Daniels, Dan was a well-known psychologist in Connecticut for over 40 years. He prided himself on family therapy, working most evenings to accommodate his patients' families. He later moved to Placitas, New Mexico, where he participated in activities and served on the board of the New Mexico Psychoanalytic Society.
Dan had many joys and interests. He was an avid gardener with quite the green thumb, and enjoyed time spent working on his vegetable, flower, and herb gardens. He was also a fan of music - especially opera, art, education and culture. During his years in Connecticut, he frequented the Metropolitan Opera and Yale Repertory Theatre. He spent his years in New Mexico attending the Santa Fe Opera, visiting the home and museum of Georgia O'Keefe, and attending programs and events with the School of Advanced Research. He also continued to collect and read the several thousand books that lined the walls of his home. Most importantly, Dan was an avid pet owner. He always had a cat and dog living with him at one time, though usually many more. His pets were family to him. One of his greatest joys was long walks in the mountains of the Cibola National Forest with his dogs. Finally, Dan was an athlete for much of his life. He ran several miles every day until 2021, and continued hiking after that. He especially loved running the carriage roads and quiet drives on Mt. Desert Island, in Maine.
Dan spent his last years in his Placitas, New Mexico home. Following a mild stroke in early 2021, Dan's health never fully improved. He lived quietly, continuing to enjoy the opera and literature.
A memorial service will be held on September 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Santa Fe, 107 West Barcelona Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Dan's name to the ASPCA at www.aspca.org/donate.