John Vavrik

John Gerald Vavrik, age 83, passed away peacefully at home April 17, 2022 in Centennial, CO surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Geri, their children Leanne (Michael) Pender, John (Dianna) Vavrik, Lauren (Sean) Vavrik-Johnson and Amy (Paul) Murzell. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren Danny (Tara), Grace, Michael, Dasia (Matt), John, Jeneva, James, Jake, Thomas, Joe, Annie, Ethan, Kate, Emma, Megan, Eliana and Luke as well as his sister Joan (Bill) Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents Lillian and John, step-father Stephen Uhlarik, by his brother Jerry and sister Rosemary.

After attending Morton High School in Chicago, John joined the United States Navy at age 17 via the “Kiddie Cruise” program becoming a nuclear weapons technician aboard the USS Forrestal and USS Independence aircraft carriers. After the Navy he owned a gas/service station and then started at Illinois Bell, enjoying a 30+ year career in Illinois along with a transfer to Colorado with AT&T in 1987. He retired from AT&T at the end of 1989. The first retirement only lasted about 6 months before he started working again at US West, Lucent and finally South Suburban Park District. He retired for good with Geri in 2004.

When he wasn’t providing for his family John loved to fish, spend time on the water, attend family gatherings, do projects around the house and maintain his lovely yard and gardens. He and Geri were inseparable in their retired years and he often credited her with adding at least 10 years to his life with her love and nursing skills as various ailments afflicted him later in life. Even in his last hours John displayed his humor, blunt sarcasm and most of all, the love for his family. He will be missed!

Everyone is welcome to gather at 10:00am in the chapel to view a looped photo tribute for John; the actual service will begin at 10:30am. All attendees are also invited to join the family immediately following the service for a luncheon reception at the Hilton Denver Inverness.