Tish A. Kllanxhja

1923 - 2017

Tish A Kllanxhja, also known as "Baba", beloved father, grandfather, friend, mentor and teacher, aged 93, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2017 after a long and amazing life. Tish was born on May 28, 1923 in Shokder, Albania, the second son of Anthony Kllanxhja and Josephina Gurakngi. He attended Parochial School in Albania until age 15 when he left to study at the Catholic Seminary in Padova, Italy. Upon graduation in 1940, he was awarded a scholarship to the Pontifical Urban University, to study for the priesthood. At University, Tish continued his study of languages, Sanskrit, English, and French, as well as pursuing operatic voice and playing soccer. He received both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Theology before terminating his academic life "to make a decent living and make a better life." Tish moved to Florence, Italy to teach at the Orphanage Macedonian del Grueppa. While in Florence, Tish, met his future wife, Penney Chapin, an American University student. Tish and Penney married and immigrated to New York in 1950 where he continued his operatic training at the Metropolitan Opera. During that time, Tish and Penney had two children, Stefan and Piera. While in New York, Tish met Mario Lalli, a member of the NY City Center Opera Company. Together they started "Mario's", an Italian Restaurant with vocal entertainment, in Aspen, Colorado. Once in Colorado, Tish knew he was home. Upon moving to Denver, Tish became Manager of the University Club in 1960 and opened Café Promenade in Larimer Square in 1966. In 1985, Tish began importing Italian Wines with the formation of Enotec Imports. Tish moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 2002 to "retire" and be close to his family. Never one to sit still, Tish began volunteering at The Literacy Center of Mesa County Libraries as a tutor of English. He found teaching to be the " most meaningful activity" and continued until May, 2016. Tish is survived by his daughter, Piera, daughter-in-law, Karen Kllanxhja (Michael O'Boyle), grandchildren, Alexander (Sonja) and Cecily (Nick) and great-grandson and namesake Mathias. He is predeceased by his son, Stefan and siblings, Alexander, Cecilia, Regina, and Piero. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 538 Teller Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado from 1 - 4:00pm. Memorial contributions to HopeWest, 2754 Compass Drive, #377, Grand Junction, CO 81506 or The Literacy Center, Mesa County Libraries Foundation, 443 N. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.