Louis Stravato

Louis Stravato was born on April 10, 1937 in Somerville, New Jersey. Lou grew up in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, graduating from Bound Brook High School in 1955 where he was on the track team. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1958 and was stationed at Fort Knox Kentucky as a tank driver. Lou was proud to serve and wear the uniform of his country.

In 1960 he married the love of his life, Louise, in St. Peter's Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was hired by Johns Manville Corporation in New York City as an accountant. While working days and going to school at night he was able to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rutgers University graduating in 1968.

A corporate move relocated Lou and his family to Colorado in 1972 where he would live the remainder of his life. Lou was an international auditor for Johns Manville, traveling to all the locations around the world where the company did business. His work travels took him to six continents. In between traveling he enjoyed teaching accounting at Arapahoe Community College for several years. He retired in 2000. Lou served on the Board of Directors of the Johns Manville Retirees Association until his death and was a member of the Quarter Century Club.

Lou loved his adopted home of Colorado. He enjoyed the outdoors and the mountains. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, especially his Alaskan fishing trips, vacations with his wife and family, biking with his buddies, exercise workouts at the rec center and lunches with his JM Retirees lunch group. He loved most sports, although baseball was probably closest to his heart. He was a big fan of the Rockies and Broncos, and the University of Colorado Buffaloes.

But his greatest joy was watching his grandchildren grow. He was very much a loving part of their lives and will be dearly missed. Lou's family was his pride and joy. Family and friends always enjoyed his stories of life in the army, growing up in South Bound Brook, traveling and being a grandfather. He saw the fun and hilarity in all of life's adventures.

Lou was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church and attended daily Mass. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Treasurer. He also volunteered for many church projects over the years.

Lou was a certified volunteer tax preparer during tax season. He belonged to Kiwanis and delivered Meals on Wheels. He was club treasurer for many years and volunteered for almost every club project that raised money for Children's Hospital and to help kids.

Lou is survived by his wife of 59 years, Louise, a son, Michael (Michele) Stravato, and a daughter, Jennifer (Bradley) Cody; four grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew, Rachel and Claire, a sister, Marie, a sister-in-law Kathleen (David) Basile and six nieces and nephews, Robert (Diane) Kovacs, Cheryl (Wayne) Wilson, Susan (John) Herriott, David Paul Basile, Jennifer (Anthony) Guiamano, Jason (Jessica) Basile and six great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Children’s Hospital.

Services for Louis, and interment at Littleton Cemetery, will be private.

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