Lela Gravina

Lela Pearl Gravina of Denver, Colorado passed away on July 21, 2022 at the age of 98.  Loving mother and grandmother.

Lela  was born May 3, 1924, in Holyoke Colorado, to the late Louis Fells and Sylvia Fager Fells. She was one of nine children.  In 1935, her mother, brothers and sisters moved to Denver after a dust storm wiped out their farm.

Lela graduated from West High School in 1942. She met her future husband, Anthony Gravina, at Elitch’s Trocadero Ball Room. Anthony enlisted in the Navy in 1941 to fight in World War II.  Lela followed him to California, and in 1943 they were married in San Francisco, California.  In 1944, they had their first child in San Francisco, California.  After World War II ended, they returned to Colorado and continued to grow their family of seven children.  In 1957, they built their dream home on Rivera Circle Lake in Denver, Colorado.

In 1956, Tony worked for Alsco as a salesman. Later in 1970, Tony and Lela continued Alsco as a family business with their children.

Tony and Lela loved to square dance twice a week with their friends. They belonged to Ports of Call Travel Club where they traveled around the world.  Some of their travels with their family included Disneyland, World’s Fair in Canada, Curaçao, a Mediterranean Cruise (Italy, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece), and many other exciting places.

Lela loved to entertain. One of her favorite gatherings was celebrating the Fourth of July at her lake home with many family and friends. Lela always made birthdays and holidays special for her family.

In 1985, Tony and Lela moved to Pinehurst Country Club, where they enjoyed golfing every day. Lela passed away at her Pinehurst home on July 21, 2022.

Lela is survived by her seven children: Sharon Mazotti, Larry Gravina (Cynthia), Jim Gravina (Gail), Carol McElroy (David), John Gravina, Jean Gravina, and Michael Gravina (Tami).

Lela is also survived by 19 grandchildren: Tod Mazotti, Michelle Conway (John), Tyler (Joey) Mazotti (Robin), Gina Gravina (Patrick Osborne), Nick Gravina (Allison), Crissy Gravina, Michael Gravina (Michele), Jennifer Ramirez (Tony), Lisa Bickerstaff, Jonathan Gravina (Lucy), Jeffrey Gravina (Laura), Jacob Gravina, Matthew Gravina, Kenneth McElroy (Renee), Joanne Severns (Gary), David McElroy (Alysha), Leeann Gravina, Taylor Gravina, Mikaela Gravina, and 37 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Lela is also survived by five step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Tony Gravina; son in law, Daniel Mozotti; daughter in law, Sharon Gravina.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022 beginning at 5:00PM until 6:00pm with the Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:00PM both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 6853 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado.  A reception will immediately follow.  Interment will follow at 2:00PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver.

Please share your memories of Lela and condolences with her family by signing the tribute wall.