Michael Dennis Naughton Sr.

Michael Dennis Naughton Sr., otherwise known as Big Mike, passed away on January 6, 2023, at the age of 71 in Denver, Colorado. He was born on June 8, 1951, in Darby, Pennsylvania to John and Peggy Naughton. Mike was preceded in death by his son, Mickey Naughton. He was survived by his wife of 46 years, Cindi; children, Katie Naughton (Eric Levitt), Matthew Naughton (Lindsay Naughton), Kelly Zimmerman (Tyler Zimmerman), and Cody Naughton, along with his grandchildren Avery, Jayden, Piper, Clover, Honor, Wesson, and Nolan. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend to everyone.
Big Mike grew up in Detroit, Michigan during his father's executive tenure with Ford Motor Company. From there he went to high school in Oakville and Windsor, Canada before being accepted into the University of Notre Dame. Big Mike played on the 1973 National Championship Football Team as a strong safety for the legendary Coach Parseghian. That same year, Mike graduated with a degree in business and immediately began his career in the automotive industry.
In 1976, Mike married Cindi in Schererville, Indiana and moved to St. Louis where Mike began his automotive retail training at Dave Sinclair Ford. Once he completed his training in 1978, Mike and Cindi eventually made their way out west and settled in Denver, establishing their roots by acquiring Doenges-Glass Ford and renaming it Mike Naughton Ford. A Colorado legend was in the making.
Big Mike Naughton was well known for being the local Ford dealer, his big cowboy hat, a marketing pioneer with unique commercials, and growing and developing countless employees over the years. Even though Mike had several achievements throughout his career, one of Mike's biggest accomplishments was being a father. He always wanted children and considered himself lucky to have five. His children, Katie, Matthew, Mickey, Kelly, and Cody, always looked up to their father, and even as adults, they still see him as an incredible role model. He was always there for them and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer.
Apart from managing Mike Naughton Ford, Mike loved to go fishing and hunting, particularly at the family ranch in Elizabeth, Colorado. We will always remember his trophy fish collection displayed throughout the dealership.
Mike passed away after fighting a long health battle. Just as he dealt with all experiences in life, Mike managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. Big Mike was a fighter!
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John and Peggy Naughton; brothers, Donald Naughton, John Naughton Jr., Brian Naughton Sr., Kevin Naughton; sister, Nancy Mayo; and nephews, Brian Naughton Jr. and Zack Mayo. Mike was survived by nieces, Erin Naughton, Joy Naughton, Heather Crosby, Tara Naughton, Kyleigh Naughton; and nephews, Creighton Naughton, Franklin Naughton, Taylor Naughton, Johnny Naughton, Aidan Naughton, and Sean Naughton.
A Visitation and Rosary Service will be held from 4:00 to 6:00pm, Monday, January 16 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 South Colorado Blvd., Centennial.
Funeral Mass will be held 10:00am on Tuesday, January 17 at Risen Christ Catholic Parish located at 3060 South Monaco Parkway, Denver immediately followed by a Graveside Service at 12:00pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd., Centennial.
A Celebration of Life reception will then be held at the Denver Country Club located at 1700 E. 1st Avenue, Denver from 1:00-4:00pm.
**Please note that cell phones and jeans are not permitted in the Denver Country Club**