Anthony Louis Paglione

anthony paglione

October 11, 1950 ~ May 21, 2018


Resided in: Pueblo, Colorado

Anthony 'Tony' Louis (Bongirno) Paglione (Self written) He entered this life October 11, 1950, and departed May 21, 2018. Preceded in death by his magnificent parents, Louis and Antoinette (Bongirno) Paglione; his brother-in-law, Bobby Corsentino; uncle, Richard Paglione; and business partner, Bill Wodiuk; all three who treated and loved him like a brother. Also preceded by his little buddy, Thurston, and his sweet girls, Bree and Princess. Preceded in death by grandparents, Sebastiano and Josephine (Marino) Bongirno and Antonio and Lucia (DiTella) Paglione; and the following uncles and aunts: Sam (Ann) Bongirno, Charlie (Theresa) Dase, Josie (Tony) Borzilleri, Rose (Gene) Merrill, Mary (Dale) Wells, Mike (Mildred) Paglione, Marion (Katherine) Bongirno, Frances Paglione, Jennie (Calvin) Neill, Anna (Felix) Koncilja; cousins, Susie (Merrill) Humphrey, Tommy Paglione, Mary Louise (Paglione) Jackson, John Bongirno, Sam Bongirno and John Dase. Preceded in death by friends, JoJo Concialdi, Sperry DeLuca, Bob Haver, Jasper Haver, Ralph Heinzman, Mau Mau Trujillo, Donald Creager, Mooch Capritta and Russell E. DeSalvo; whom he drank, ate, camped, vacationed with and who represented him for over 35 years. Survived by wife, Jill A. (Schinnerer) Paglione, his eternal soul mate, 'God never placed a better wife on this earth;' daughter, Francesca Lucia Carmella Antoinette (Lionel Montoya) Paglione, the sun of his universe; sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph (Katie) Okerlund and Jason (Abby Waldon) Okerlund; granddaughters, Morgan Gomez and Isabela Okerlund; Alyssa Okerlund and his 'Hotshot', grandson Carson Okerlund; and the family guard dog, Ellsworth. Survived by sister Carol Gordon, his lifelong protector and brother-in-law, Gary Gordon, who was like his brother. Nieces Shelly (Scott) Bartlett and Sherry (Chris) Florian; grandnephews and grandnieces, Stephen, Sawyer, Shalyn, Taylor, Kaitlyn, Leigha; and brother-in-law, Jack (Susie) Schinnerer; sister-in-law, Janet (Bob) Hiebert; step-children, Brian Falsetto and Felicia Falsetto-Hulgan. Survived by his Aunt Shirley Paglione and Uncle Jim (Sally) Paglione; numerous cousins, including Joe Koncilja and Jim Koncilja and special cousin, Mike Paglione. Survived by the following friends who helped him, befriended him, taught him and made him a better man: Bob and Elke Pugel, Frank and Carole Ricotta, Kathy Concialdi-Lawrence, Al Gurule, Patrick Avalos, Jerry Goddard, Gilbert Ladrini, Dave Flores, Jimmy Harford, Tony Ianne, Ted Trani, Joe Costanza and Eddie Caselnova. Special thanks to Darol Biddle, who stuck by him through thick and thin and relentlessly defended him; and RJ Riley, the polygraph examiner that proved his innocence. A special thank you to the following individuals: Pastor Duane Arledge who reached out to him; Pastor Charlie Jones who inspired him; Frank Ricotta who brought balance to his life and was always there for him; Lionel Montoya, who now has the honor of taking care of his 'Little Girl'. Jason and Joseph Okerlund whom he could not have been prouder of and allowed him to watch them transform from young boys into successful husbands, fathers and talented professional men; Katie Okerlund and Abby Waldon, whom he adored as if they were his own daughters; Francesca who taught him how to be a father and the glorious feeling of watching a baby girl develop into a beautiful and successful young woman; and Jill, a woman that places everyone else's needs and feelings above her own. She took a vow to stand by Tony and honored it until the end. A special thanks to close friends that provided support and encouragement during his time of need, especially: Lisa (Trani) Jansson, Rita Montoya, Ted and Carol Mutz, Tim and Therese Suazo; along with healthcare providers: Howie, Cheree, Leo, Brad, Rico, Jason and Chris. He was proud of being a lifelong businessman and salesman involved in the real estate, lending, vending and wholesale business. He was a lifelong Democrat (1960's John Kennedy style, not the current platform) and a fierce proponent of collective bargaining. He was the President of La Famiglia Italiana and member of the Fidelity and Protective Lodge. He had a BS degree in Economics and an MBA with a concentration in accounting and finance and was working toward his doctorate degree. Eternal pallbearers: Jerry Goddard, Frank Ricotta, Russ DeSalvo and Al Gurule. 'The next time you see a homeless or hungry person on the street give them some change in memory of my wonderful life.' Please do not shop at a certain Italian grocery store. 'Remember my good deeds and try to forgive me for the bad.' I do not say goodbye, only: 'See y'all on the other side.' --Tony Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A PARTY, not for the celebration of his life, but as thanks from Tony to all the wonderful family and friends he was blessed with will be held 10 A.M. Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Fellowship of the Rockies. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com.

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  1. So sorry we didn’t know and weren’t there for you Tony & Jill – Tony was such a memorable and special person with a great family. Grateful for how he and Jill reached out to the Della Rossa Family when we joined La Famiglia many years ago. We found out about his death from the Spandiatore in Filigne, Italy, “the boys” and we all send our sincere sympathy to Jill, Francesca, and all the family and close friends. Peace be with you Tony. You are missed. Thank you for being a class act.

  2. Jill & Family,
    So sorry to hear about the loss of Tony. Please accept our sincere condolences.

  3. Jill and Family, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

  4. sincere condolences to the family. Tony thank you for being there for our family when my daughter passed away and all the times in between.

  5. You may be gone, but you are not forgotten. You showed me and my son and amazing amount of compassion and respect, for that I will never forget. You will be dearly missed by family and friends and just about anyone who had the good fortune of meeting you.

  6. Jill and family,
    So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. We have not been home much since Gil retired, didn’t know he was ill. Last time I texted with Kathy you both had helped her with something, and she was so happy to have you both as friends. We will always remember all the times at La Familia you both worked so hard. Gil was shocked when our Daughter Mel told us about Tony. We will be getting back into town on Saturday hope to be with you. Again so sorry and God Bless you and the family. Love Bev

  7. So very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family, May God Bless and Guide you all through this difficult time.

  8. Fran and Lionel, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Take care of each other.

  9. God Bless you Tony, I will miss you! We go back about 43 years when our friend Bill Wodiuk introduced you to me in Pueblo. I never forgot that and we been loyal friends from day 1! You and Bill save a seat for me, until next time partner,

    Your Pal,
    Mike

  10. Dearest Jill, Francesca, Carol, Jason, Joseph and All of Tony’s Extended Family,

    I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend of 50 years. Tony was always there for my Mom, Dad, Larry and especially me. I will cherish the memory of our last conversation May 12, 2018.

    My thoughts, prayers, and love are with all of you.

    May perpetual light shine upon you Tony.

    Love,

    Kathy

    PS I don’t and never will shop at a certain store.


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