Robert Balerio

November 25,1944- April 30,2025

Bob Balerio, 80, passed away at Montrose Regional Hospital on April 30, 2025. Bob was born in Mexico and was the oldest of 5 children. He moved to Sedgwick, Ks. when he was 8 years old. After high school, he attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Ks. where he met his future wife, Sandy. They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this May.

Before Bob could even begin his teaching career, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Vietnam. After his return, he married and both he and Sandy moved to Yates Center, Ks. where he began his teaching career in the 5th grade and also coached high school track. He was also responsible for starting the Lady Wildcat basketball program there in 1972. In two years, he led his team to the state tournament.

After leaving Yates Center he and Sandy moved to Montrose where they made their home since 1975. Bob began his teaching career again at the Uncompahgre Elementary school as teacher and principal. He moved to the old Morgan school as principal and then to Johnson Elementary. Soon after, he went to Montrose High School as an assistant girls basketball coach alongside John Mraule. After his son was born, Bob became an assistant principal at Montrose High School and then the Athletic Director. His last principalship was at Cottonwood Elementary which ended in 2001 with his retirement.

Once a coach, always a coach. After retirement, he spent two years being an assistant basketball coach with Vic Kintz in the Ridgway girls basketball program. Bob loved going fishing, camping and golfing. He and Sandy had wonderful trips to Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain. He loved traveling by train to the East coast and to the West coast. and of course he loved the casinos.

He was most proud of his family, his son Brian and his family and grandkids who affectionately called him “Baba”. He will always be remembered for his dedication to education, his teachers, and his students and for his big smile and the stories he would tell.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ysidra, his sister-in-law, Sue and his brother Martin. Bob is survived by his wife Sandy; son Brian; daughter in law Rachael; grandchildren Jayda and Cameron; sister Carmen(Joe) Bribiesca; brothers Bernie, and Andy along with several nieces and nephews.

The Balerio Family will receive their friends on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Crippin Funeral Home, 802 East Main Street, Montrose CO from 1pm to 3pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 1855 Saint Mary’s Dr., Montrose, CO on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10am. A Committal Service and Military Honors will follow at Grand View Cemetery, Montrose, CO.

Contributions may be made to Sharing Ministries in Montrose or the ASPCA.