Emilio Sanelli

Emilio Sanelli of Denver, Colorado passed away on January 20, 2022 at Brookdale Senior Living in Greenwood Village. He was 92. Born on December 29, 1929 in Magna, Utah, he was the son of Dominic and Angela (Ciccotelli) Sanelli.

He graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna, Utah in 1947.

Emilio married Georgiana Zito of Denver on June 21, 1952, and together they shared 68 years of marriage. They moved from Salt Lake City to Denver in 1953.

From his early years as a soda jerk, to meat cutter, to secretary in the Postmasters office, to 38 years in the Army Reserves (Food Services) where he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, to Commissioner of the Colorado Senior Softball Association – Emilio always found new adventures to keep him occupied.

Some of his retirement activities included: preparing sandwiches at Holy Ghost Church, yearly volunteering at the Castle Pines International as a course marshal, and time as an election judge. Emilio was an active member of Elks Club B.P.O.E. #17 – North Denver and NARFE.

He will be remembered for his passion for sports; watching them, playing them, score-keeping for them, organizing leagues (volleyball, softball & team handball), and eventually…teaching his grandchildren to excel at them.  He held Denver Broncos season tickets for 33 years.

He was very proud of his two boys and their many accomplishments. He adored all three of his grandchildren; taking them on “errands” and attending ALL of their sporting events. Emilio was blessed to spend time with his great-granddaughter and namesake, Emilia, and even taught her to throw a softball.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgiana, and brother, Angelo. He is survived by his sister, Mary Syrett; sons, Michael (Cheryl) and Ernie (Carol); grandchildren, Brianna (Bryan), Mario, and Dana (Spencer); and great-grandchild, Emilia; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mother Cabrini Shrine, 20189 Cabrini Blvd., Golden, CO. 80401 or online at https://mothercabrinishrine.org/give