Michael Smaldone

1919 - 2017

Michael Smaldone - Faith Family Country May 20, 1919 to November 2, 2017 Born and lived his entire life in North Denver. Last remaining child of Gerardo Smaldone and Maria Pizzichillo of Potenza, Italy. Preceded in death by wife Mary Palmeri, siblings Lucy, Ventura (Louise), Rose (Frank Pomponio), Anthony, Anthony, Lucy (Joe Ligrani), Louise (Paul Hauptman), Mary (Eugene Graham) and Antoinette, and in-laws Sal and Alice Piro. Survived by children Stephen, Gerardo (Mary Kay), Maria (Bob Finke), Philip (Mary Beth), and Matthew, grandchildren Lisa, Jesse, Michael, Valerie, Alissa, Sara, Angela, Catherine, Matthew, Philip, Michael and Grace, nine great-grandchildren, in-laws Frank and Rosemary Palmeri and John and Rose Palmeri, over 100 first and second nieces and nephews, and many second and third cousins. Served in U.S. Navy 1942-45 in South Pacific, U.S. Naval Reserve 1947-1962, Firefighter, U.S. Gov't. 1963-1983. Member Societa di Nativi di Potenza, past president of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Men's Club, Servite Secular Order and Ambassadors of Mary (Our Lady of Fatima statue and rosary). Awarded Mt. Carmel parish Silver Cross for lifetime service, and Andiamo newspaper Italian of the Year 2010. He loved gardening, fishing in the Rockies, baseball and football, talking politics, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, attending daily mass and prayer, and cooking breakfast for his grandkids. He had a legendary memory and loved telling tales of the old days. He spent his later years caring for sick relatives and neighbors. The son of poor immigrants, he believed in liberty and responsibility, and that the U.S.A. was the greatest country that ever existed. His door and his heart were always open to those who needed help. He strove to maintain and support his extended family and encouraged us to never forget the sacrifices of our ancestors. He was larger than life and will never be replaced. Rosary, Friday, November 10th 7pm. Funeral Mass, Saturday, 10am, both at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo Street.