Frankie Lee Nieto

On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, Frankie Lee Nieto passed away at the age of 51 due to complications resulting from COVID-19. Frank was born June 20, 1969, and shared an unbreakable bond with family: his mother, Frances Martinez, his father, Daniel Martinez, and his siblings David Martinez, Doroteo (Tilo) Heredia, Daniel Martinez (Aubrie), and Deseree Chivers (Josh). He and his wife, Coleen, were lucky enough to meet in the 8th grade at 13 and 14 years old, and spent the last 37 years sharing their lives together. His children, Cera (Rob) Nieto and Zacharie (Faith) Nieto, were blessed to have a dedicated stay-at-home father before Frank was called to enlist in the Army at the age of 32. Serving in the military was always a dream of his and he proudly served his country in the Army as an Information Systems Operator Analyst, and served overseas as a sergeant in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2014, Frank was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, from which made a full and miraculous recovery. His family was gifted with 7 more years together, and they were the fullest years of their lives. In 2020 Frank was blessed with his first grandchild, Vance.  Frank loved playing with Vance, watching him grow, and giving his unsolicited, yet often helpful advice to Vance’s parents.

Frank was an avid sports analyst, expert angler (catcherman, not fisherman), movie critic, musician, amateur carpenter, 3-D Print enthusiast, hobby explorer, and often selflessly provided his time and skills for free pool lessons at Thirsty’s Sports Pub, Table 4.

Above all, Frank was a loyal and beloved friend to so many.  Frank’s trademarks were his hair, his smile, and his laughter. He was known for his generosity of spirit, especially when it was least expected.

When asked how tall he was Frank would quickly reply, “Larger than life,” and he truly was.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home 3101 S Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227 at 1PM.

Military honors will be celebrated at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 3:15PM.

Reception to follow at Providence at 5280, where Frank shared time and laughter with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers Coleen would like to ask that donations be made via Venmo (@coleen-craignieto), Zelle, cash, or check to set up an account for Frank’s grandson, Vance, who he undoubtedly would have spoiled with puppies, guitars, bb guns, and everything else that makes childhood wonderful.

His family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. Anthony Hospital ICU for their exceptional care and kindness, Providence at 5280 for their generosity, and everyone at Thirsty’s Pub for all of the late nights, friendship, and memories.

To share memories of Frankie with his family, please sign the Tribute Wall.