Mario Guccione

Mario Guccione passed away peacefully December 17, 2020 in his home surrounded by family. He was born October 18, 1953 in Gesuiti, Province of Cosenza, Italy to Antonio and Carmelinda Guccione. Mario and his family came from Italy to Salida, Colorado in 1959 and in 1962 he became a US citizen. After serving in the US Army for 3 years in Germany, he returned to Salida and married Roberta Gonzales October 18, 1975. Roberta and Mario had just recently celebrated their 44th anniversary.

Mario worked as a miner at Climax Molybdenum Company for 18 years and later retired from Hardrock Paving Company. Mario played fast pitch soft ball for the Salida Enforcers and enjoyed restoring classic cars. His other hobbies include fishing, bowling, mushroom hunting, and spending time with family.

Family and friends will always admire the memories and traditions passed down from Mario. He was a cherished family man who loved making homemade wine, soppresatta, and Italian sausage. His family traditions will continue to be passed on because of the valuable bonds and friendships he created. Mario’s children and grandchildren say he will be remembered for his words of wisdom and the ability to brighten any day. He greeted everyone with a smile and treated everyone like a part of his family.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew him as “Papa”, friends knew him as “Motz.” His grandchildren say he was the “best papa and every moment with him was an absolute joy and a true blessing.” One of his famous sayings that will be remembered by his grandchildren is “no matter where you go, there you are.”

Mr. Guccione was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Carmelinda Guccione.  Mario is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughters Jessica Guccione (Pueblo West), Lisa and her husband Jesse Kelly (Salida); grandchildren Mario Guccione (Shelby), McKinley Guccione-Mommer (Ali), Chloe, Olivia, Jonah Kelly, Emilia; and great-grandson Silas Guccione. Siblings, Theresa Giorno, Sarah Aragon, Mary Churich, Edith Cicerelli (Frank), Frank Guccione (Judy), Rose Guccione (Randy), Lena Leewaye (Jerry).

A memorial service will be held in 2021 to celebrate the life of the beloved Mario Guccione.

Online condolences may be offered at lewisandglenn.com.

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