Daniel Rocha

Beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 17, 2020 surrounded by his family; at the age of 59. The son of Christine (Silva) and the late Fred Rocha, Daniel was born on September 29, 1960 in Saginaw, Michigan. Growing up in Merrill, MI, he dedicated his youth and teenage years playing football, basketball, baseball and his greatest love-golf. As a young teenager he met the love of his life, Diana, enlisted in the Coast Guard reserves in 1978, and graduated from Merrill High School in 1979. On October 20, 1979, Daniel and Diana Betancourt joined in a truly remarkable love that spanned 40 years of "Endless Love". She survives him.

One of the greatest accomplishments of his life was his children Jennifer and Anthony. As a devoted father he was always there for school and sporting events, getting a laugh or smile at his expense, staying awake after working midnights for a morning breakfast before school, big moments, moves, brunches, and selflessly always going above and beyond to make sure they were always taken care of.

Daniel embraced a strong work ethic, job knowledge and drive to provide for his family and in doing so, built a career with Hemlock Semiconductor. After 37 years of service, he retired in March 2017 as a Logistics Specialist and looked forward to enjoying life after work. He loved everything Maize and Blue, took pride in caring for his truck, baking, listening to classical piano music, watching Everybody loves Raymond, building and being creative with his hands, bringing laughter into hearts of many by simply being his genuine self, he taught us all to never take life so serious. Daniel's great passion of golf was the peace in his life, sharing it with his soulmate, Diana, on numerous golf getaways to Garland Golf Resort, northern Michigan and Myrtle Beach. It also took him on several trips with the guys, three hole-in-one's, league twice a week, tournaments, and taking full daily advantage of his membership at Valley View Farms. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family. Daily phone calls, visits and card games with his mother; irreplaceable family vacations to Myrtle Beach; endless moments of laughter and sarcasm; his unwavering commitment to Diana in sickness and in health and his attention to detail to make sure those he loved, knew he was thinking of them. Daniel was a proud, simple, hardworking, and good man whose love manifested into everything he did, you didn't just hear or see it, you felt it. His bright smile and contagious laugh will forever live in the memory of the ones he loved most.

Daniel is survived by his children Jennifer Rocha (Randy Palmer) and Anthony Daniel Rocha; three sisters and two brothers: Chris (Barney) Betka of Mt. Pleasant; Gina (Mark) Tolfree of Merrill; Tammy (Ron) Yrlas of Merrill; Robert (Michelle) Rocha of Adrian; Ed (Shelly) Rocha of Bannister. He is also survived by his in-laws: Jesse and Cindy Betancourt; Janie (Tony) Olivarez; Sylvia (Jesse) Ortiz; Rachel (Terry) Charboneau; Anita (Jay) Stevens; James (Jessica) Betancourt; Jesse (Monica) Betancourt. Including several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, his special friends: Rick Monsion, Tomas Munoz, and John and Suzanne Krevinghaus and numerous golf buddies, especially Don Burdo. Along with his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents Nabor and Framensia Rocha, James and Louisa Silva, a brother-in-law Jesse Betancourt Jr., and two nieces Valerie Betka and Jaclynn Olivarez.

Honoring Daniel's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Valley View Farms Golf Course. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to reduce the spread of covid-19 in our community. Those planning an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may donate to future memorials that will be set up by the family at Valley View Farms Golf Course, Garland Golf Resort and the University of Michigan "Big House".

"Embrace his memory. It will be your light in the darkness."