Michael Vitry

Michael Guy Vitry, of Golden Colorado, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023.

Born December 9, 1940 in Denver, was the son of the late Sidney and Alice Vitry.

He is survived by his lovely wife of 62 years, (22,899 days) Betty Jo Vitry, by his son, Michael Vitry and daughters, Corrine Vitry Carpenter, Annette Vitry Smoker and the late Michelle Vitry. Grandchildren, Brandon Monaghan, Kaylie Wren, Zachary Carpenter, Jordan Carpenter, Trent Carpenter, Dillon Walker, Madison Smoker and Mical Greigh Vitry. Lucky to have 7 fabulous great grandchildren.

Michael had an amazing career with the Denver Fire Department. Appointed on July 1, 1964. Wanting to better his career, he was promoted to Lieutenant November 1, 1971, Captain October 1, 1974 and then to his greatest achievement Assistant Chief June 1, 1986. Mike was looked at as a “Firemen’s Fireman”. He never complained about going to his job a day in his life! To his fire legacy, he responded to 12,077 incidents. He reluctantly retired on March 18, 2002. Not a day went by that he didn’t tell amazing and colorful stories of being a Fireman.

Mike will be remembered for his straight black and white logic, his witty but dry sense of humor and his creative and brilliant mind. He was a man of numbers and logging dates and details. (ie he kept track the number of days married to his beautiful wife, 22.899 days)

His memory and legacy will be cherished and kept alive by his family, friends and many colleagues.

Friends are invited to attend and celebrate Michael. His services will be held on Wednesday, May 31st at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 969 Ulysses St. Golden. There will be a Rosary recited at 9:00 am. Catholic Burial Mass starting at 10:00 am, with Color Guard participating. A reception to follow in the community center. There will be a private procession with his body taken to his final resting place on a fire truck. Fitting for an extraordinary man!