Obituary of Daniel Arthur Legarda

In Loving Memory of Daniel Arthur Legarda 

April 11, 1971 - May 5, 2023 

On May 5, 2023, Daniel Arthur Legarda, a cherished member of his community, was taken from us at the age of 52. He held dear roles as a beloved husband, devoted father, loyal son, loving brother, uncle, relative and friend. The sudden loss of Daniel has left an immense void within the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. His remarkable kindness, selflessness, and devout faith will forever remain ingrained in our memories. 

Daniel was born on April 11, 1971, in Anchorage, Alaska, and blessed with adoring parents, Sonia and Agar Legarda. Throughout his childhood, he cultivated a unique connection with them, as well as with his sisters, Shirley and Christina. Rooted in a rich family history, his grandfather’s service during World War II and subsequent journey to Alaska shaped their family’s path. Growing up, he lovingly embraced his Filipino heritage, woven into the tapestry of his childhood experiences. Alongside a multitude of cousins, they forged cherished memories filled with love and steadfast support that would endure a lifetime. As a child, he received a medal for a Boy Scouts Presidential Award, was the president of his high school class, and graduated as salutatorian.  

In 1994, Daniel joined the U.S. Navy, demonstrating his deep commitment to honor and courage by serving his country for nine years. His outstanding achievements during his time in the service were acknowledged through several commendations received in recognition of his exceptional performance, which included the United Service Organization’s (USO) Shipmate Award. This award was presented to him as one of the top three graduating recruits whose enthusiasm, supportive attitude, and willingness to help others during their training period exceeded the Navy training standards.  

During his time stationed in San Diego, California, destiny intertwined Daniel's path with Angie Bolido, the person he referred to as "the only true love of my life." United in marriage on September 29, 1996, they embarked on a shared journey characterized by genuine affection and profound respect that served as the foundation of their family. As his Navy assignments unfolded, the couple eventually found themselves in Virginia, where they lovingly raised their two sons, Josh and David, whom Daniel cherished immeasurably. From the start, Daniel formed an immediate closeness with his brother-in-law, Vincent Bolido, and family. As a devoted father, he exemplified unwavering support, imparted valuable guidance, and embraced his boys with unconditional love. Daniel seized every opportunity to be present in their lives, attending practices, games, and academic events, while also cherishing the smaller moments, including acting as the dedicated chauffeur. He took pride in being an ardent fan of his boys' respective colleges, often donning apparel from James Madison University and Virginia Tech. 

After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 2003, Daniel's life continued to remain rooted in selflessness, loyalty, and dedication. With the establishment of his own company, Speccom, Inc., his exceptional capabilities led to the acquisition of federal contracts, including involvement in the prestigious Pentagon Renovation Program. Within the realm of Audio-Visual engineering, he played a vital role in designing critical communication systems. Furthermore, Daniel served as a valued contractor for numerous projects, which took him on journeys across the United States, Asia, and Europe—a testament to his love for exploration and travel. 

Daniel exemplified remarkable compassion, consistently surpassing expectations to aid others. When someone needed help, he willingly and cheerfully lent a hand. His acts of kindness were boundless, leaving an indelible imprint on numerous lives. Whether helping those in distress or offering uplifting words, Daniel's benevolent nature resonated deeply within the hearts of many, leaving a lasting and positive impact. 

Daniel's Catholic faith held profound significance in his life. His deep connection with God provided solace and fortitude, motivating him to actively volunteer for the church. With great pride, he dedicated himself to the Knights of Columbus, attaining the esteemed status of a fourth-degree knight. His commitment to his faith radiated through every aspect of his existence, serving as an inspirational beacon to those fortunate enough to know him. 

Daniel was always known for being a kid at heart. He enjoyed puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, Pokémon hunting and bowling. He loved Mexican food, sushi, and appreciated the finer taste of bourbon and cigars. His delicious cupcakes and monkey bread made him the go-to person for desserts at parties. Above all this, the mutual love and playfulness between him and the children in the family was always unmistakably clear. He was always the “fun uncle.” In his heartfelt will, he bequeathed a love letter to his family. To his beloved godchildren, he penned words of endearment: "You bring joy to my life and help me be a kid again. I will always remember the times we played together. Take care, enjoy life, and always remember to play around, always be a kid and love life as I loved you all." May we all strive to emulate Daniel's childlike spirit, embracing the wonders of life with open hearts and a boundless sense of joy. 

A memorial service, dedicated to celebrating Daniel's life and paying tribute to his enduring memory, will take place at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church on June 17 at 11:00 am. 

During this period of mourning, solace is found in the love and cherished memories we shared with Daniel. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your overwhelming kindness and compassion. Your outpouring of condolences and support has been a source of comfort during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made to the USO, an organization that holds great significance to Daniel. The USO provides essential assistance and support to our courageous servicemen and women. Your contributions will honor Daniel's passion for this noble cause. May his soul find eternal peace. 

Donations in Daniels memory can be made at: uso.org/donate.memorial-donation