Anthony Elliott

Anthony Elliott known as 'Nanny' or 'Grampie' to most friends and family was born in Stockyard Station-Denver, Colorado on the family farm on August 25, 1920. He was the youngest son of Clara (Spano) and Joseph Elliott (Alioto) and spent his childhood learning to farm with his brother Marion (Sonny) and sisters Josephine (Balistreri) and Mary Ann (Rosa-Balistreri). Nanny enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family in Gunnison, Colorado. As a young man, he and his cousins danced to the big bands at Elitch Gardens Trocadero Ballroom, a love he shared with Wilma Thurman who he married in 1939. Together they raised three children Shirlie (Faour), William (Buddy), and Joseph (Jumbo) Elliott. As a young father, he worked candling eggs in Golden before he was able to run and manage his own farm in Arvada where he began growing vegetables for the United States Armed Forces. Nanny continued his farming career when he moved to Copeland's and worked as a truck farmer with his mother and brother. He was known for his high quality grading practices and often earned a higher price for his carrots, peppers and Pascal celery that he sold on the Denargo Market. In the winter he worked nights at Garden Farm Dairy as a truck mechanic. In the late 1950's, he started Steele Street Greenhouse which led to a successful career in the wholesale carnation business for over 18 years. Nanny retired at age 55 and began a grand journey where his love for fishing and the outdoors flourished. With his wife Wilma, they enjoyed Denver Bronco football and traveling to Arizona to watch the Colorado Rockies spring training. In addition to golf, gardening, dancing, painting and spending time in Texas visiting family and friends, Nanny's true passion was fishing the Colorado River. He spent much of his time entertaining his ten grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, teaching them to fish, string poles and tie flies. Later in life, he was committed to the cause of blood donation where at Bonfils he donated over 4 gallons in the last 10 years. Admired by so many, Nanny was a man with strong sense of self and love for family. He passed November 18, 2011 at the age of 91 from Denver, Colorado.He is survived by children, Shirlie and her husband Kenneth, William and his wife Donna and Josephand his wife Gladys. he is also survived by numerous grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo Street, Denver, Colorado. Entombment at Mount Olivet Cemetery Please share memories of Anthony and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" tab below.