Anthony Manuel Roybal

Anthony Manuel Roybal (1944 – 2023) Tony age 79, passed away peacefully and on October 30, 2023, the “Big Hunk” gained his angel wings to fly forever with Rita, the love of his life. Tony was born in Sopris, Colorado in 1944 to Manuel Carlos and Flora Ramona (Martinez). The first of eight kids, Tony’s early years were spent in Sopris before moving to the westside of Denver. He attended Saint Joseph Catholic School K-12 where he was a multi-sport standout for the Bulldogs. After high school, he attended Mesa State College in Grand Junction playing 3^rd base. His team made the 1964 NJCAA Baseball World Series Championship.  He then matriculated to the University of Southern Colorado finishing his baseball career, graduating, and becoming a teacher and coach for the Denver Public schools.   Tony married Rita in 1969 and started a family that would be the focus and joy of his life.

Tony spent his time with family, teaching, coaching, hunting, fishing, and forging lifelong friendships.  His teaching and coaching career included time at all levels of education, Christ the King, Cole Junior HS, Knapp Elementary, Rischel Junior HS, with most of his teaching career spent at Denver West HS.  Physical Education classrooms, Wrestling, Football, Basketball, Baseball and Softball teams saw his tutelage from the late 60’s through the 2000’s.  He was a three-time CHSAA coach of the year, the only Head Coach to win both a Colorado State Baseball (Mullen ‘85), as well as Softball State Championship (Chatfield ‘97).   Tony was elected to the Colorado Dugout Club (Baseball Coaches) Hall of Fame in 2023. Retiring in 2005, his post-teaching influence saw him as the major player in his grandkids lives, on the sidelines and practice fields of their events, begrudgingly learning an appreciation for soccer.

Tony’s proudest moments came with the success of his family, quick to brag on and share an accomplishment whether a first step or a good grade, he chose to reflect on the highlights. He valued his family above all, shown by his commitment to Rita during her time of need. Always willing to impart his wisdom and humor on open ears, it was built on his lifetime of learning and experiences.  Tony was always a good sport, with a competitive streak that shone through but tempered with age into unwavering support of his loved ones.  He loved Rita’s cooking, always curious as to what was for dessert.  He found happiness in family gatherings, hunting, fishing trips and get togethers.  Initially the party planner and organizer of fun, he became life’s color commentator with amusing tidbits from his life well lived.  Tony was a purveyor of memories that will continue to be shared.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Rita, parents, Manuel and Flora, and brother, Leonard. Tony is survived by his sons, Lance (Sharon) and Brooks (Summer), and grandchildren, Jacqueline, Brayden, Meredith, Olivia, and Caroline.  His siblings Christine, Ernie, Frank, Debbie, Rodney and Cathy, along with countless extended family members, also survive Tony. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly. 

In lieu of flowers, the Tony respectfully requested that memorial contributions be made in  Rita’s memory to the ALS Association –Rocky Mountain Chapter to help those living and fighting the disease. Link to Donate:  https://www.als.org/?campaign=487487