John ""Muzzy"" Vecchiarelli

John ""Muzzy"" Vecchiarelli, age 85, passed away on April 9, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Muzzy was born July 26, 1930 in Denver, Colorado, to Josephine and Anthony ""Spike"" Vecchiarelli. He lived his entire life in Denver where he was an All-American in high school football, baseball and basketball. He went on to become a devoted PE teacher at Schenck and Force Elementary schools, as well as a legendary football coach for the Rough Riders in North Denver. Muzzy was also an accomplished horse and dog race handicapper. He was fortunate in that he was also able to work at the tracks where he loved to spend time playing the races. Muzzy most enjoyed spending time with his family and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline ""Jackie"", and by his daughter Stacy. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, three children; Mark in Los Gatos, CA, Tony in Colorado Springs, CO, and Alison in St. Petersburg, FL, two step-children; Danny of Westminster, CO, and Renae of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mountain Vista Senior Living Memory Care Unit for the loving care they provided to Muzzy for the past year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mountain Vista Senior Living Community 4800 Tabor Street Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 Please specify the donation is specifically for the benefit of the Special Memory Care Unit. A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 starting at 9:00 AM with the Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 9:30 and Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM all services at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo Street, Denver, Colorado. A reception will be held immediately following the funeral mass. He will then be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Please share your memories of John and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.