John B. Grosso III

John B. Grosso III

September 14, 1942 – July 16, 2025

John B. Grosso III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, two years after the loss of his lifelong companion and wife of 58 years, Josephine. He was 82.

Born on September 14, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to Evelyn M. Graves and John B. Grosso Jr., John was the eldest of three siblings. His early years were shaped by modest means but abundant friendships, the kind of childhood where stories-some best left untold-were made and remembered for a lifetime. Among those friends were Josephine Florio, the girl who would hold his heart and share his journey through life.

John's father was drafted into World War II shortly before John was born. Following in his father's footsteps, John entered the military at 18 - serving in the U.S. Navy as a fireman during a time of peace. His service was brief and quiet, like much of his generation, but a proud chapter in a life well lived.

In 1964, John married Jo. Their early years were filled with challenges-tight finances, uncertain work-but also great joy. Together they traveled, learned to snow ski and water ski, danced, boated, and surrounded themselves with good friends, family and laughter. Eventually, they bought their first home in North Denver and raised two children, Eric and Monte, instilling in them a love of nature, play, and family.

John loved camping and motor homing, beach games, waterskiing, boating, and taking long walks along the shoreline. Vacations were times of games, cards, frisbee, storytelling, and stillness-watching birds or skipping stones.

Professionally, John worked as a taxi driver and rose to manage the company, building lifelong friendships along the way. Later, he joined Josephine in her tax accounting business, continuing a family tradition of entrepreneurship. Together, they grew the business and provided a stable, loving home where their children could thrive, go to college, and build lives of their own.

In retirement, John and Jo downsized and enjoyed their golden years in a retirement community, traveling, gardening, dining out (especially breakfast), and visiting their grandchildren-Aidan, Pierce, Jaidee, and Briggs. As Jo's health declined from Parkinson's disease, John became her devoted caregiver, helping her maintain joy and dignity with every step. As she once said, "He would do whatever I asked without ever complaining."

After Jo's passing, John grieved quietly but remained a loving presence to his family. He passed not long after what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary.

John's remains will be interred beside his beloved Jo at Fort Logan National Cemetery, reunited once more and forever.

He is survived by his sister Joyce; his children, Monte and Eric; and his grandchildren, Kayla, Aidan, Pierce, Jaidee, and Briggs. He will be remembered for his loyalty, gentle spirit, and steadfast devotion to the people he loved.