Gilbert B. Valerio, Sr.

Gilbert B. Valerio Sr., 80 passed away on Monday, February 21, 2011 at his home in La Junta.  He was born on June 1, 1930 in Taos, NM to Blas and Corina (Caravajal) Valerio.  He married Genarita “Gerrie” Rocha on June 5, 1965 in La Junta.
Mr. Valerio graduated from Swink High School in 1951.  He served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant for the 223rd Infantry Regiment in the 40th Infantry Division from November 7, 1952 until November 6, 1954 stationed in Korea.  He then worked for the Pueblo Army Depot for 28 years as a missile technician.  In his retirement, he was active with Swink Public Schools on the accountability committee and on the Swink Town Council.  Mr. Valerio was an active member of the La Junta Catholic Parish for over 50 years and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States since August 13, 1996 and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans since 1985.  Mr. Valerio enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting, his Denver Broncos and Duke Basketball.  He also loved his many cats specifically “Tootsie”.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gerrie Valerio of La Junta; sons Gilbert Blas (Rori) Valerio, Jr. of Garden City, Kansas, Gerald William Valerio (Holly Keenan) of Swink; daughter Geri Lynne (Anthony) LaCombe of Castle Rock, Colorado; grandchildren Shea Valerio, Michael Valerio, Abigail “Abby” Valerio, Hailey Valerio, and Noah Keenan; brothers Edwin (Francis) Caravajal of Pueblo, Mike Valerio of Loveland, Colorado; sisters Annabelle Werick of La Junta, Mary (Lawrence) Trujillo of Rocky Ford, Fedelina (Marvin) Barlow of Denver, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charlie (Bobbie Jean) Valerio and Alex Valerio.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass will be follow at 10 a.m., both services will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Paul Ekeh officiating. There will be a private interment at a later time at Fairview Cemetery.
Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory who are in charge of the funeral arrangements.
 
 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Arkansas Valley Hospice Association, P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050.