Daniel Otero, age 88, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa. He was born on August 17, 1937, in Tampa, Florida, the eldest of three children born to the late Domingo and Blanca (Gonzalez) Otero.

Daniel proudly served his country in the United States Navy from October 29, 1954, until October 28, 1962. Following his honorable military service, he returned home to Tampa and began a career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer with the Tampa Police Department.

Throughout his life, Daniel remained deeply involved in his community and dedicated to helping others. He was passionate about youth sports, coaching Little League baseball and football for many years—often coaching his own grandchildren. He also served as Commissioner and Head of Security for the State of Florida Boxing League for many years. In addition, Daniel worked as a private investigator and process server for numerous attorneys in the area and held a position as a notary public, a role that held special meaning to him as he officiated the marriage of his own daughter and son-in-law.

Daniel is survived by his loving children, Tammy (Erik Dankerl) Shuler, Kim Traina, Richard Otero, and Michelle Shuler; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his siblings, Rene Otero and Xciomara Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Otero, Jr.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Florida Mortuary Funeral and Cremation Service, 4601 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33603. Mr. Otero will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:00 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.