Raymond B. Carleno

Raymond Benjamin Carleno passed away late August 12, 2018, surrounded by loved ones in Durango, Colorado. He was 92.

Born in Denver in 1926, he was the eldest of Elizabeth and Benjamin Carleno's four children. A Tom Sawyer-like character, the naturally precocious leader spent his early years in Colorado before attending Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri. Upon graduation, he continued his service in the Army Air Corps, now the United States Air Force, at MacDill Field in Tampa, Fla., during World War II.

After the war, he married Wilma Ione Thomas of Marshall, Mo., his wife of 72 years, and the two moved to St. Louis, where he attended St. Louis University, earned his J.D. and practiced law. In 1954, the two had their daughter, Olivia Elizabeth Carleno.

A proud and protective father, grandfather and uncle, he enjoyed spending time with young people, who were always an attentive audience for his countless stories and humorous tales. He enthusiastically taught his nieces, nephews and grandsons how to fish which was his favorite pastime, and he spent much of his free time flying recreationally, boating and traveling. A passionate chef, he divided his retirement between Lake of the Ozarks and the Texas Gulf Coast, where he enjoyed fishing on his boat, hunting for mushrooms and perfecting his skills in the kitchen and at the grill.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Harry, Donald and Richard Carleno, and is survived by his wife and daughter, both of Durango; grandsons Raymond Dennison, of Houston, and Neal Dennison, of New York City; sisters, Mary Elizabeth VonFeldt, of Denver, and Janelle Carleno, of Albuquerque, N.M.; sister-in-law, Uta Carleno, of Durango; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Visitation 9 AM to 11 AM with Vigil Service at 11 AM will be held on Friday, August 24 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Interment will be at 12:30 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Area B, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver.

Please share your memories of Ray and condolences with his family in the Guestbook.

Visitation: August 24, 2018 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Horan & McConaty - South Denver
1091 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80246

Vigil Service: August 24, 2018 11:00 am

Horan & McConaty - South Denver
1091 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80246

Graveside Service: August 24, 2018 12:30 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 S. Sheridan Blvd.
Denver, CO 80236