Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gaspar Perricone Obituary
November 30, 1928 - May 21, 2020
Retired Chief Judge of the First Judicial District
Gaspar Franz Perricone passed away on May 21st from complications of COVID-19. Thanks to the compassion of nurses and doctors, his wife of 70 years was able to be at his side at the time of his passing. This is an astounding loss for his family, his friends, the legal community of Colorado and the state at large.
Gaspar was born on Nov. 30th, 1928, in Pueblo, Colorado. Shortly thereafter, his family relocated to Denver where he attended South High School and exceled at sports, which garnered the attention of the Northwestern University football team where he enrolled in 1946.
During his tenure at Northwestern, he earned a bachelor's degree in Geology, played a pivotal role in the Wildcats 1949 Rose Bowl victory, and met the love of his life, Carol.
Post-graduation, Perricone was called upon to serve his country where he rose to the ranks of Corporal in the Army Map Corps. After receiving his law degree from the Sturm College of Law Gaspar maintained a private practice until he was appointed to the Judicial bench in 1979 where he would serve for nearly 20 years until his retirement in 1997 as Chief Judge of the First Judicial District. Perricone earned the esteem of his colleagues and the legal community for his fair and impartial demeanor on the bench.
Perricone earned the esteem of his colleagues and the legal community for his fair and impartial demeanor on the bench. This reputation was earned through his dealings with some of Colorado's most contentious water and land-use cases like the settlement of the Taylor Ranch. Perricone's trusted character was also called upon to serve as an associate judge in the Oklahoma City bombing trial. He ended his career with the Senior Judge program.
One of Gaspar's proudest accomplishments was the role he played in assisting Frances Staunton establishing Staunton State Park which opened its doors to the public in 2013.
Perricone's greatest virtue was his love of family. He stressed to his family, that the world is unfair, but it is our duty to be fair in all things. It was also important that those around him understand the difference between right and wrong, and doing what you say you are going to do.
He is survived by his wife Carol, his sister Vita(and her family) his two children, Roger (Nancy- wife) and Nancy. Four grandchildren (Gaspar, Sam, Lisa, and Lucy) and their spouses and four great grandchildren, all of whom he loved most.
A Memorial Celebration will be set for a date in the near future. Remembrances can be made to the Friends of Staunton State Park in Gaspar's name at https://friendsofstauntonstatepark.org/donate/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gaspar Perricone
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
Randy and Deborah Komisarek
June 1, 2024
My wife and I have fond memories of meeting Gaspar and Carol most Sundays at the Matket downtown to discuss and solve all of the world's problems. He was a very fine man.
Dominic Solorio
January 19, 2024
What a great man. It was such a pleasure working 7 years at the Windsor Condominiums and having Gaspar around with his kindness. My friend David Garia sends his warmest regards and thanks Mr. Perricone for his big role in his life. Gaspar will truly be missed. Thank you Judge, we need more people like you in this world.
Michael Maudlin
June 1, 2023
With his passing we lost a good man and a sound jurist.
Doug Nelson
June 11, 2020
Wonderful memories. Gasper and his Dad had an office next to me on the fourth floor of the Majestic Building in Denver in the mid 60s . I often picked Gaspers Dad up by Washington Park enroute to our offices.
I had heard a lot about Gaspers power as a fullback for South High School and how he received a scholarship to Northwestern University. He played fullback when they won the Rosebowl.
Working next door next door to Gaspers made a big impression on me. That led to a long lasting friendship and admiration of that Good Guy!
jim cooke
June 10, 2020
we lost a great man with Gaspar and want you all to know that I learned a great deal from him, had a number of trials with him and was inspired by him. Although my practice started and eventually ended in Boulder, I will never ever forget him as long as I live. May he rest in peace!! JIM COOKE
Randy and Deborah Komisarek
June 8, 2020
We are so sad to hear of this. I clerked in the First Judicial District and ended up practicing law there for several years before becoming a corporate attorney. I had several trials and hearings in front of him. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. My wife and I moved downtown into the same building as Gaspar and Carol. The Sunday tradition was to meet them at the Market for coffee and political discussions. Cherished memories. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Randy and Deborah Komisarek
Gregg Kildow
June 7, 2020
As a Probation Officer from 1975 to 2002, I was so fortunate to have this man on the Bench during his tenure. His assertive nature on the Bench was well balanced with his humor when out of his robe. A good man who will be missed by many
Leland Anderson
June 7, 2020
Gaspar Perricone was my favorite jurist. I took his place on the Jefferson County bench upon his retirement. His tenderness and thoughtfulness in assisting me at the beginning of my judicial career will always be one of the hallmark high-points of my career in the law. He was a man who cared about fairness and justice. He called them as he saw them. He did not suffer fools gladly, but he was ultimately one of the most compassionate and wise men I have ever known in my life. I am proud to consider myself a friend of Gaspar Perricone, and I am more proud to consider him my first mentor as a judge. He set a high benchmark, but he lived every day and every case as a true jurist, one who listened with depth, clarity and understanding and adjudicated disputes with wisdom, empathy and compassion. He was the guardian of his wife, a protector, a true knight who cared for her all the days of their marriage. He was purely and simply a noble man. A truly noble man. I am deeply saddened at his loss.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Gaspar Perricone's name
Memorial Events
for Gaspar Perricone
How to support Gaspar's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gaspar Perricone's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
