John Joseph Gaudio Sr.

Lifelong Denver resident, John Joseph Gaudio, Sr., Esquire, age 89, entered peacefully into eternity on Friday, December 15, 2017, at his residence at Village at Belmar, Lakewood, Colorado. John was the beloved husband of Lillian (Cavarra) Gaudio. John & Lillian recently celebrated 66 years of marriage.

John was born in Denver, Colorado, May 18, 1928, to Alice (Smith) and John Rocco Gaudio. He was raised in Keenesburg, Colorado by his mother and stepfather, Raymond Gray. He graduated from North High School, and the University of Denver College of Law. He practiced law in downtown Denver for over fifty years, dealing mostly in Probate and Bankruptcy law. John was a member of the law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta.

John and Lillian belong to Notre Dame Catholic Church. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus Catholic fraternal service organization, and lived out his faith in his meticulous care for his extended family and numerous friends, especially as it related to all things legal. He was an avid card player, and very recently co-orchestrated a biweekly Black Jack game at Village at Belmar. John collected Canadian Revenue Stamps for many years and had a coveted collection. He and Lillian, often accompanied by various family members, traveled widely, and especially enjoyed the many cruises they experienced. John will be remembered for his deep devotion to, and love of his wife, Lillian, his care and involvement in the lives of his six children, and their children--his grandchildren and great grandchildren. John was generous, kind, and loyal. He served his country with honor. Attached to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Navy, he served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Bataan CVL during the Korean War. He retired with the rank of Captain.

John is survived by his wife, Lillian, his six children, John J. Jr. (Madonna), Littleton, Nicola Maddox, Houston, Cindy (Dave) Robinson, Longmont, Lisa Beaudette, Aurora, David (Jan), Loveland, and Maria (Larry) Ford of Centennial. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: John J. Gaudio, III, Michael (Kayla) Robinson, James (Sonia) Robinson, Joshua (Missy) Beaudette, Jennifer Carmical, Christie (Ryan) Mueller, Stephanie (Bobby) Lucero, Sean Gaudio, Jeremy and Miranda Ford, and six great-grandchildren, Lynx Williams, Collin and Emma Beaudette, Samuel and William Robinson, and Cameron Robinson. John is also survived by his lifelong friend, and “brother” Herbert W. DeLaney, Jr. and wife Ramona, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, caregivers, and friends. He was preceded in death by his preborn son, Michael, his grandson Todd Joseph Maddox, his mother, Alice (Smith) Gray, stepfather “Dad” Raymond Gray, father John R. Gaudio and wife Tillie, and grandson Justin Carmical.

John will lie in state from 11:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 W 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 and then again on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm.

The Rosary will be held beginning at 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, followed at 11:00 AM with Mass of Christian Burial. Notre Dame Church is located at 2190 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO 80227. Burial will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Catholic School or the Todd J. Maddox Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of NEI 6331 Concho Bay Drive, Houston, TX 77041.