Anthony Jerry Quaratino

Anthony J. Quaratino, or as we know him ""Tony"" – It is with a broken heart we share the news of our father's passing on April 29th, 2014. After a long, valiant struggle and a determination to live like no other just to be with us, he said goodbye to this World. Comforted through his life and through his illness by his loving wife, Delores Quaratino (Moya), they celebrated their 52nd Wedding Anniversary the day before his passing. Tony recognized and honored this Anniversary achievement with the words, ""We did it, Mook (Delores' nickname)"". This man was born under a truly lucky star. Doted on by his parents, endowed with uncanny physical strength (he had six-pack abs into his 60""s) and a depth of quiet intelligence, he married a one-in-a-million wife in Delores and fathered 4 accomplished daughters. The man appreciated quality. Friends would say, ""How did you do it, Tony? What's your secret, Tony?"". He had it all. Born in ""Nort-Denver"", the only son of Italian immigrants, Jerry Quaratino and Lucille Mancinelli, he came from a time, a generation and a neighborhood, that Hollywood screen-writers could only wish they could have conjured. Tony would tell Old Time stories of characters so flawed, so true, so real, and so funny he would laugh so hard he would start to cry. He was usually smack dab in the middle of the situation. These stories and characters were our lessons, our parables growing up. Lessons to live by, like, ""Are you gonna jump the rail into the lake or win the race"" and ""Never swing on the first pitch, even if you hit a home run"". Folks that know Tony, knew he was a Thoroughbred racing fan and horses had been a part of his life since childhood. Early memories of us kids include the grandstands and infield of Centennial race track with our dad. Tony with the racing form curled up in his fist, shouting, ""come on with the 6 horse, go wit' the 6!"" But Tony rode, bred and trained pleasure horses as well, and could be seen properly attired at an English horse show too. Tall boots and hunt coat, looking quite dapper. He was a man of many accomplishments and pursued interests where attention to detail and care over a long period of time paid dividends. He was a marathon runner, logging long miles in the heat of summer and the frigid wind and cold of Colorado winters. He was an incredible gardener, delivering a bounty of vegetables every summer. Mook's kitchen was basically a farmer's market overflowing with eggplant, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, beans, corn and more. His peach tree would grow so heavy with ripe peaches that he would need to prop up the branches with push brooms. What a sight. Push brooms holding up a tree. His horses, of course, another example of his patience and investment over years, to produce a quality product. And perhaps the very best example of his long term and patient investments, are his daughters and his four grandsons. Tony, you are so loved by your family, and so missed by so many. Our prayer for you is that you are galloping across the heavens, on your flashy chestnut mare, forever on a perfect Summer day. Tony, we say to you, ""okay then, we'll see ya's, take it easy"". We love you so much, your family, Delores, Lisa, Natalie, Aimee, Dina, Spencer, Dominic, Diego, Rocco Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Delores Moya; daughters, Lisa (David) Guida, Natalie (Ted Deffenbaugh) Quaratino, Aimee (Robert) Quaratino-Kaczowka and Dina (Roxy) Vendena; grandsons, Spencer, Dominic, Diego and Rocco; and sister, Carolyn (Bill) Vagher. Preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Jerry. Viewing will be Monday, May May 5, 2014 at 9:30 am, Recitation of the Rosary at 10 am and Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Burial to follow Mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Luncheon Reception will be at 1 pm. All services and luncheon to take place at Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church, 7555 Grant Place, Arvada. In lieu of flowers, contributions (including bringing canned goods to the funeral) may be made to Arvada Food Bank, 8555 W. 57th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002. Please share a memory and condolences with the family at HoranCares.com.