Anton Joseph Bruggenthies

Anton ""Tony"" Bruggenthies was born in Denver, Colorado on December 29, 1954 to Henry and Shirley Bruggenthies. He had two brothers Bud and Bill and a younger sister Judy. He attended grade school and middle school at Saint Vincent DePaul Catholic School where he made many life long friends. He later went to Mullen High School where he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. He was actively recruited by many division one colleges for football. He chose to attend Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan where he lettered in varsity football all four years as an offensive tackle. He was chosen for the All Big 10 Team, and attended training camp with the New York Giants in 1977. Due to injuries sustained during his senior season, he was unable to pursue professional football beyond this point. While attending Michigan State he met and married his wife Karen. They moved to Denver, Colorado in 1977 and later that year their daughter Jennifer was born. From the moment he first set eyes on Jenny she was the light of his life. The term ""daddy's girl"" was coined for the two of them. On April 7, 2007 his granddaughter Emma Marie was born to Jenny and her husband Ben. While nobody could ever take the place of Jenny in his affections, little Emma was Tony's pride and joy. Days when Emma came to visit were always the highlight of the week, and if it got too long between visits (usually not more than a few days), he would make sure to let Jenny and Ben know that Emma's presence was requested. If they came along with her, so much the better. Tony joined the Littleton Fire Department and retired nineteen years later as a Paramedic/Captain. Being a firefighter was always much more than just a job to Tony. He had a true passion for both the work and for the people he worked with. The Littleton Fire Department became his second family. In addition to his regular duties as firefighter and paramedic, Tony was also a member of the Hazardous Materials Team and one of the founding members of the Puppet Education Team. Throughout the years Tony continued his love of athletics, playing in flag football, basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer leagues. He loved attending Rockies and Avalanche games. With the encouragement of his wife and daughter he also developed a true love of the theater and reading. One of the greatest joys of his life was children. If there was a child in the room you always knew that you would find them with Tony. It seemed to be a magnetic attraction. Somehow, some way they would always find each other – sooner rather than later. Tony was one of those rare people who never met a stranger. He was a true friend and a loving father, son, brother, nephew and husband. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church (University & Arizona) at 10 AM, Tuesday, February 19, 2008. There will be an informal memorial at the Riverwalk Clubhouse, 2751 W. Riverwalk Cir., Littleton, CO at 6:00 PM, everyone is invited to attend. Thank you all for your kind wishes, memories and support.