Dario Dean Madrid

Dario “Dean” Madrid, 55, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, following a sudden diagnosis of leukemia. Born on October 10, 1970, in Coeur d’Alene to Felix V. Madrid and Shirley (Payton) Madrid, Dean was raised in the Elizabeth Park area of Kellogg. He attended Elk Creek Elementary, Silver King School, and graduated from Kellogg High School with the Class of 1988. As a young man he found joy in fishing with his father, playing hacky sack with friends, skateboarding, and embracing life within his close-knit community. He attended American Lutheran Church during his youth and built a strong work ethic early on.

Dean worked for Lifetime Roofing and Siding before beginning a long career in the automotive industry. For nearly twenty years he was employed at Dave Smith Motors in Coeur d’Alene, most recently serving as Parts Manager. Earlier he worked at J&D Stereo, where his custom audio installations earned him the enduring nickname “Boom Boom” Madrid. A lifelong music lover, he rarely missed an opportunity to see Motley Crue in concert. In his younger years he enjoyed snowboarding with family and friends and held a special affection for his dogs, especially Roach and Dozer.

In March of 1998, Dean’s life changed when he went on his first date with Sara Hawks. They married on April 14, 2001, and shared a deep, enduring love. Dean cherished his role as husband to Sara and as father to Chris and Bryson, faithfully supporting their wrestling activities and cheering them on. He was looking forward to celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year.

Dean is remembered as a loving husband, proud stepfather, devoted grandfather, wonderful brother, and loyal friend. He faced life with remarkable strength and resilience, particularly after surviving a serious fall from the Silver Bridge in his twenties that left him with a fractured back supported by two metal rods for the next thirty years. He is survived by his wife, Sara Madrid; stepson Chris Vergobbi; grandsons Olyver and Ace; sister Elena Madrid; nephew Jordan Nelson; brothers Richard and Robert Fausett; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Shirley Madrid; siblings Ronnie, Ted, Lonnie, and Bill Fausett; and his beloved stepson Bryson Vergobbi.