ST. MICHAELS, AZ – The family of SSG Danny Atcitty III, US Air Force has humbly asked for a funeral escort on Friday, February 7, 2020 from St. Michaels to Ft. Defiance, AZ.
Staging Details for 2/7/20 Friday
Staging time: 0900 Summit Funeral Home, St. Michaels, AZ.
KSU: 0930
Destination: Family Church Assembly of God, Ft. Defiance, AZ.
Route: HWY 264 through Window Rock, down to Rt. 12 to Ft. Defiance, AZ.
Danny Atcitty III will be remembered as a leader for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and two-spirit community on the Navajo Nation. His work to raise funds for the Diné Youth LGBTQ+ Scholarship and his advocacy for our veterans will be honored. A 2003 graduate of Window Rock High School, he deployed to England to serve four years in the United States Air Force as an electrical power production journeyman. Danny then finished his Bachelor of Science for business management from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Since he has worked in various management leadership positions for Wells Fargo, Finish Line and TBK Bank.
In 2018, Danny volunteered for the first time overseeing the merchandise sales for Diné Pride in Window Rock, Arizona. He joined the Board of Directors in 2019 to oversee all sales in the organization.
Danny was a best friend, an uncle, brother, grandson, and a beloved son. He departed on Friday, January 31, 2020, with family at his side in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Diné Pride and the LGBTQ+ community will host a “Celebration of Life” candlelight vigil on Thursday evening, February 6th at 6:00pm, to remember Danny in Window Rock, Arizona, at the Veterans Memorial Park. We invite everyone to attend an evening where we will rise the rainbow flag in honor of Danny’s service to the country and hear remarks from his friends.
The Diné Pride Board of Directors requests support now to cover costs associated with the funeral service this week. Donations accepted will go towards food expenses for guests who visit with the Atcitty family and friends. The Atcitty family invites his friends and loved ones to attend two community gatherings that will take place at the Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance, Arizona, this Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm.
The funeral service will be held this Friday, February 7th at 10:00 AM, with the burial to follow at the family plot in Fort Defiance. A luncheon reception will be hosted after at the Fort Defiance Chapter House.
On behalf of Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our deepest condolences to Danny Atcitty III’s family and friends during this difficult time, as we will also remember them in our prayers, we whole heartedly thank SSG Danny Atcitty III, for his service in the US Air Force. May you rest in peace soldier and may you never be forgotten.