Daniel Fuenzalida

Daniel Eugenio Fuenzalida, age 73, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 2nd, 2013, at his home in Wakefield, Massachusetts where he lived with his wife, Judith (Velasquez) Fuenzalida, by his side. Born in Santiago, Chile, on July 21, 1940 he was the son of the late Eugenio Fuenzalida and Zuelema Guzman.

As a young boy he demonstrated an impressive capacity to easily absorb and memorize all the events presented to him regarding world history. A subject which continued to fascinate him throughout his life and, as he acknowledged on numerous occasions, was his true calling.

Sometime after graduating high school he enrolled at The School of Engineering in the University of Chile and studied there for three years before abruptly canceling his education in order to work at the Management Department of Tourism, working his way up to eventually become the chief of the Social Tourism Department. There he oversaw the construction of cabins so that the common Chilean worker could be guaranteed at least one week of vacation time.

A very touching event occurred during this chapter of his life in which a group of workers were so genuinely grateful at being given this luxury that they all joined to clean and beautify the resort so that Daniel could witness it upon his arrival. He was impressed, to put it mildly. And the place was left more than impeccable. This was one moment in his life that he was most proud of, most fond of. They thanked him as if he was the one who made it all possible for them. "Don't thank me, thank your government", he replied, truly humbled by the experience. These cabins spread throughout the country. He was a loyal supporter of Salvador Allende who was president of Chile at the time, having been democratically elected in the year 1970 (an event he once described as the happiest day of his life!). About two months before the coup, he left his country for a temporary stay in the United States of America. Little did he know that from then on this stay would
turn out to be more permanent than temporary. After the coup, Chile was never the same. Although he forever nostalgically yearned to return to that place in space, and time. This was who Daniel Fuenzalida was. To all that loved and knew him.

Along with his wife, Daniel is survived by his son, Andres Fuenzalida, his stepsons, Alex Hermosilla, Maruicio Hermosilla, his sister, Dionisia Elena Fuenzalida, his brother, David Fuenzalida, and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was the loving grandfather of Blake Hermosilla and Jordan Fuenzalida.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with Daniel's family on Friday, November 8, 2013 from 6-8pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street. (RT 28) STONEHAM. A Funeral Service will be held at 8pm. Parking attendants and handicapped elevator are available.

It has been requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Daniel's memory to American Diabetes Association PO BOX 11454 Alexandria VA 22312