Carl V. Molliconi

One measure of a man's worth can be determined simply by whether he left the world a better place by being here. Carl Vincent Molliconi certainly did. A hard-working man who sacrificed much so his family could live a better life; a devoted husband to Mickie for 44 years; a firm but caring father to Carla, Andrea and Nicholas; and a very loving grandfather to Lauren, Andrew, Cameron, and new little Amelia. Carl also cared deeply for his son-in-law, Steve, and his daughter-in-law, Mandy, and had great affection for his little dog Guido. Born and raised in Denver, Carl spent his whole life here except for a quick year in San Diego, only to come back to Denver, as he and his family knew this was their home and where they belonged. The youngest of six boys born to Louis and Josephine Molliconi, Carl spent his younger days at Wyatt Elementary, Cole Junior High, and graduated from Manual High School in 1956. He worked for 32 years as a school photographer, eventually with the title of Territory Manager for his last 10 years with the photography business. During these years, Carl also had his hand in the Italian restaurant business on and off, usually for a second job so Mickie could stay home with the children…though it did provide the opportunity to sneak the occasional sausage sandwich. Carl had a love for Las Vegas and the excitement of gambling, so much so that he learned to be a blackjack dealer and spent the last 10 years 'retired' and working up in a Black Hawk casino. Carl was an avid Broncos fan, though every year he would declare that he was giving up on them. Carl was a talented artist, his forte being comical cartoon characters. His sense of humor was one of a kind; he loved to make up stories, characters, and new words just to give his kids or grandkids a laugh, which it usually did. He loved slapstick humor and had a long list of movies and TV shows that were a reliable source of enjoyment to him. Carl battled leukemia for a year and passed peacefully on December 29, 2008. Carl will be missed dearly by all of his family and friends. One can't help but smile when thinking of him, likely with the memory of his own smile and laughter. Carl, you left the world a better place, and we are all grateful you were a part of our life.