Donald George Ferrero, Jr.

Donald G. Ferrero, Jr., 47, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, CO, ending a courageous two year battle with bladder and bone cancer. According to his wishes, cremation has occurred and there will be no viewing. A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at 10:00AM Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street in Thornton, CO. Pastor Andy Pryor of the Northglenn Christian Church will officiate. A private family burial with military honors will take place at a later date at the Fort Logan National Cemetery. Don was born in Denver, CO on April 9, 1963, to Don and Jeane Ferrero. He had a happy childhood where he attended schools in Cheyenne, WY; Thornton, CO; and graduated from Arvada High School in 1981. Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably in peacetime until his discharge in 1984. After his time in the service, he entered the glass industry and worked his way from the production floor to the office. He held many jobs in the field but his last was Commercial Estimator for Vitro America. During his 26 year career, he worked for Thermoglas, Western Glass Supply, Architectural Glass Products (AGP) and Harding Glass. He served a broad clientele in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Don was known and respected as a professional with integrity and high standards. Don neither married nor had children, but his life was full of deep and abiding friendships. Among his closest friends were Kristy Branson, Shelly Cappelli, Kellie Greene, Craig Hansen, and Jon and Katie Shafto. Don had many interests. He was an American history buff, and could speak at length on the Civil War and military arms. He enjoyed hunting and shooting sports. He built scale models and dioramas of World War II vehicles and tanks with exacting detail. While growing up, many of Donald's summer days were spent at his grandparents cabin (the ""Leprechaun Lodge"") near Pinecliffe, CO, where Don nurtured a deep love for the mountains. He enjoyed camping, dirt biking and four-wheeling. Near the end of his life, Don was often homebound so he enjoyed playing cards and cribbage with his beloved uncle, Jim McTiernan. Don loved people and kept up with friends and family through his emails and blog. He was an avid Denver sports fan and participated in several fantasy sports leagues with his team ""The North Denver Magpies."" Don is survived and will be sadly missed by his parents; his brother Bill and sister-in-law Cheryl Ferrero of Bayard, NE; his sister Amy Stark of Arvada; maternal grandmother Mildred ""Mickey"" McTiernan of Lakewood, CO; nephews Alex, Ben, Joe and Sam Ferrero and Derek Stark; nieces Christie Ferrero, Veronica and Olivia Stark; uncles and aunts on his father's side are: Richard and Harriett Ferrero of Brighton, CO, David and Yvonne Montano of Greeley, CO, and Mark and Francine Schuster of Lakewood, CO. Uncles and aunts on his mother's side are: Jim McTiernan of Denver, CO, Don and Anita Schmeckpeper of Denver, CO, and Dan and Eileen Fargo of Bakersfield, CA.; plus numerous cousins and their families all over the country. Don was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Joseph J. and Marjorie M. Ferrero; his maternal grandfather James F. McTiernan; cousins Rick Ferrero, Chester Kizzar and Rick Kizzar. Memorial gifts may be made in Donald's name to the Collier Hospice Center, 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Please share your memories of Don and condolences to his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" tab below.