Mark Anthony Frias

Mark Anthony Frias was born on December 9, 1949 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, CO. He was the firstborn son of Ann and Bill Frias and grew up in north Denver with his younger brother, David, and twin sisters, Nora and Noreen.

Mark graduated from North High School in 1968, and his first full time job was clerking at Safeway grocery stores. On one occasion, the Denver Police were called to respond to a situation at his work place, and later Mark was invited to do a “ride-along” with the police officers later that evening. It was apparently very exciting as he later asked the officers, “You guys get PAID for doing this?” It sparked his interest in police work, which later became his life’s work.

Mark volunteered for the military draft and joined the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, often called the Screaming Eagles, serving his country in the Viet Nam conflict for 18 months and mustering out from Ft. Carson

Upon returning home from military service in 1972, Mark was accepted into the Police Academy and began training for his distinguished career in the Denver Police Department. He gave many excellent years of service to Denver residents working in District 1, the Vice Unit, the Gang Unit and the Denver District Attorney’s Office. He retired in February of 2007 with 34 years on the police force.

In addition, Mark worked off duty-security at the downtown location of United Bank. While working at the Bank, Mark met his future wife, Nancy, who was in bank operations. Nancy and Mark were married on October 8, 1994 at St. James Presbyterian Church in Littleton, CO and enjoyed 24 years of marriage. He was an avid bowler, was an outstanding "griller" often referring to his dishes as "Double Damn Delicious", enjoyed coffee with friends, and win-or-lose….he loved his Denver Broncos. Sports, in general, brought much pleasure to his life. He enjoyed a good wager on March Madness and his well-researched fantasy sports leagues.

Mark passed from this life at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver on April 24, 2019 at the age of 69. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann, in 2003 and father, Bill, in 2016.

Mark is survived by his wife, Nancy and his children--Brian Frias (Raquel) of Plainfield, Illinois; Ron Frias (Catia) and their daughters, Anjali and Annabelle of Pensacola, Florida; and daughter Abbie Morris (Thomas) and their children Anya, Katie, and TJ of Cleveland, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brother David (Wanita), sisters Nora and Noreen, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution can send a tax-deductible contribution to the “Denver Police Museum” which is a charitable memorial organization that was well-loved by Mark. Gifts may be addressed and sent to P.O. Box 9140, Denver, CO. 80209-0140.