James Joseph Patti II
February 13, 1977 ~ July 16, 2011
Resided in:
Aurora, CO
James Joseph 'JJ' Patti II passed away unexpectedly July 16, 2011. He was born Feb. 13, 1977, to James J. Patti Sr. and Judy Patti in Pueblo, Colo. Preceded in death by his father, James J. Patti Sr.; grandfather, Angelo Patti; grandparents, Viola and James L. Latchaw; grandmother-in-law, Bettye Payne; grandfather-in-law, Jerardo B. Reyes; and nephew, Mason Reyes. Survived by the love of his life, his wife, Melissa; his beloved children, Kennedy and 'JJ' III; his mother, Judy Patti; grandmother, Elsie Patti; siblings, Anthony (Shannon), Aaron (Kristin), Chris (Edie), Amy (Brian) Turner, Jeff (Megan) Reyes and Aaron Reyes; mother and father-in law, Teresa and Rick Reyes; grandmother, Nellie; nephews and nieces, Terra, Joey, Lauren, Morgan, Vinny, Gino, Sonny, Ella, JC, Jackson, Gracen and Carter; aunt, Bobbie Droessler; cousins, Michael (Heather), Michael Jr. and William Droessler; along with numerous other cousins, nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles. JJ was a 1995 graduate of Pueblo County High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder, after which he was employed by Andersen Consulting. At the time of his passing, he was Senior Director of Strategic Planning for Newmont Mining, a company he was proud to be a part of. This employment allowed JJ to follow his passion of travel. Along with a two-year stay with his family in Peru, his service for his company took him to six continents of the world. JJ was a CU Buff football season ticket holder; he loved cheering for the Buffs and was proud to be an alumni. He was proud of all the Colorado teams and supported the Rockies, the Broncos and the Avalanche. He enjoyed playing golf whenever he could and his favorite place to play was Blackstone Country Club, of which he was a member, and in Pueblo at the Italian Open. The Super Bowl and the parties that came along with them were another of his favorites; therefore, he hosted the Jim Patti Memorial Super Bowl Party that was second to none. His parties were known around the city for the food, the prizes, the class and JJ's favorite, the big dice tables. He also attended the parties hosted by the Sons of Italy of which he was a member. JJ's true passion and love above all else was family. He enjoyed taking vacations with his family and spending every second available with his wife of 11 years, and spoiling, praising, teaching and caring for his sweet daughter, Kenners, and his best bud, JJ. There will be no viewing. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2011, in the Pueblo County High School gymnasium. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to JJ Patti Memorial Fund in care of Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003, to be distributed to his favorite charities. Online condolences, Montgomery Steward.com
Today, when I missing him a little extra, this memory has made my day. <3
Thank you for sharing
Lauren Patti
My best friend, Kennedy, told me about her dad’s passing in an email just days after it happened, I was shocked. It had been over 2 years since I last saw the Patti family; they had left Peru in early 2009. I remember going to Kennedy’s house every single weekend for an sleepover. We would have so much fun! Ken and I would sing along to American Idol songs when playing the American Idol videogame in her xbox. Her dad would always get the best scores singing Night Ranger’s Sister Christian and Knocking On Heaven’s Door from Guns N’ Roses. He was such a great dad! Everytime he could he would come and join us in our singing. I have so many good memories from the Patti family. They treated me like one of them. I still feel very sorry for the loss, but I know that Melissa, Kennedy and little JJ are doing great because as God brought them to this, he’s guiding them through it.
Love,
Mara.
I am very sorry for your loss, I just recently learned about this tragedy today, My sincerest apologies. God Bless your family.
Happy late birthday, I love you amd miss you
Hey guys how are you doing? I pray for you all every day and hope that you don’t give up on any thing. I really miss uncle J.J. I hope to see you all soon. Michael
I was so deeply saddened by the news of JJ’s passing. I attended CU with JJ. His humor, intelligence, and friendship helped me get through my first and only semester of chemical engineering. He was a great guy who touched many lives. My deepest condolences to his family.
Dear Patti Family,
I am sorry for the delay in offering my condolences. I was reading through the December 2011 CU Alumni Newsletter “In Memoriam” section and ran across JJ’s name today. I am truly sorry for your loss. Although we have had sporadic contact since graduating college, I have wonderful memories of JJ when we were studying for tests, working out at the CU Rec Center or hanging out at our college homes on the “North Side” of Boulder. If there is anything that you ever need, please email me…
Sincerely,
Colwell Family
Hello Melissa,
Jobe came home from school today and told us about J.J’s dad. We were in shock. Our love, prayers, thoughts and concerns are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. If there is anything at all that I can help you with, please let me know.
Love.
The Dorrell / Turner Family
My heart goes out to your family for your loss. I remember JJ from high school. My Deepest Condolences,
Anita Lilly
JJ was one of my closest friends in college and during my early working career. We haven’t hung out so much since he started working internationally, but he and his family were a major factor in shaping the course of my adult life and never far from my thoughts. I felt like the whole Patti family did an amazing job of accepting me and I considered friendship with JJ a privilege.
My heart goes out to you guys during this difficult time. I don’t pretend to try and understand a rhyme or reason as to why things happen, but I do know that God can and will comfort you in your grief. JJ was a great and amazing man, I will be praying that God will sustain you all through the very difficult process of mourning.
Love,
Tyson
Dear Patti Family, Please Allow Me To Offer My Sincere Condolences For Your Loss. Even though I Did Not Have The Honor To Know J.J., I Knew Something Of Him Through Tony. I’m Sure He Was A Great Individual & Family Man. To My Friend, (Tony) I’m Truly Sorry For Your Loss And I Love You ‘Brother!’ Randy Vidana & Family (Class 85′)
Dear Patti family:
It is with heavy hearts that we send our deepest and most sincere sympathy. Your family was an intregal part of our lives while the Ruzanskis lived in the neighborhood. We pray that God sees you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Ruzanski families
(Willdra, George, Sudzy, Scott and Kirk)
JUDY AND FAMILIES!!!
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES WE HAVE BEEN THRU THIS AND FEEL YOUR PAIN.
NOTHING ANYONE CAN SAY MAKES ANY SENSE RIGHT NOW. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. ONLY GOD CAN SEE YOU THRU GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
SAM AND DOROTHY INGO AND FAMILY
Dear Patti family,
I have been trying to think of something wonderful to say all week, and I just can’t. I am saddened by the loss of a childhood neighbor, classmate and friend, but that pales in comparison to the loss you are experiencing of a father, son, husband, and great man. I feel sad that I hadn’t seen JJ in so many years, but fortunate that I had the pleasure of knowing such a great guy growing up. He was part of what made our class great, and he will be missed. May you all find comfort in this time of loss in the friendship and love of the vast network of people he had touched in his life.
Sincerely,
Jeannine Schafer
Dear Judy and Patti Family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you at this time of great loss and sorrow. It’s times like these that challenge our faith and cause us to ask why such a vibrant young man should be called away at the prime of his earthly life. Yet, those with strong faith in God know that He is the creator of life and it is He who knows the time and hour in which He will call us home. May God now hold all of you tightly in His arms, giving you comfort and knowledge that one day all of you will be together again. May the memories of family times together give you comfort, joy and peace, and may you know that there are many, many of us praying for all of you at this time. May God bless each and every one of you.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you, our longtime family friends. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. The Palacio Family
Dear Patti family:
Our most sincere and deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Mike Nixon, Jerry Nixon, Cindy Nixon-Cisneros, and Lois Hocking
My deepest sympathy for Melissa, Kennedy, little JJ, Judy, Amy, the Patti and Reyes families, and the many many friends as you lay JJ to rest today.
I’ve spent this past week thinking about you all and reminiscing my own memories of JJ from high school all the way back to days spent at the little church in Vineland our families attended together. What a bright and charismatic individual we were all blessed to know.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting JJ but get the sense that he was a very special person after reading all the kind words in this guestbook. I went to school with JJ’s older brothers at County high in the 80’s and know that the Patti family is very well liked in the community; this truly is a great loss. If he was like his older brothers then he was larger than life! Please know that many people like me are feeling your pain and thinking and praying for everyone affected by his passing. Take comfort in eachother and remember the good times and cherish them. May God bless all of you and help ease your pain.
JJ was a great person. I met JJ at Newmont and he was an inspiration. His personality and joy for life and his family was amazing. No matter the situation, JJ was able to put a smile on anybody’s face. Please know that sometimes life will give you very troubling situations without cause. For me, this is when I seek God’s help. I don’t know if you believe, but I encourage you to seek God for comfort and support. There are so many people who loved JJ. You will also find a host of people to support you through this tragedy. Please remember the joy that JJ brought to your life. Remember the husband, the son and the father he was to you. Hold that within your heart and he will never leave you.
With the deepest sorrows and love.
Ronald Hollins
Dearest Judy and entire Patti family.
Our most sincere and deepest sympathy in your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. May God bless all of you.
Dorothy & Glen Caple
My Dear friend, Judy
My heart is broken for you and I send my deepest sympthies to you and your family.
It is so hard to understand God’s way, but we are all aware of His provisions for our comfort. My prayer for you all is that our God will totally surround you with His love and the comfort that only He can give. Just know that you are in my heart and prayers.
My love,
Judy
Unexpected losses such as this leave us shocked and in disbelief. It reminds us how precious and delicate each life is. I only knew JJ during high school but I don’t think I’m alone when I say I only have fond memories of him. May his memory live on and may his children grow up knowing that their dad was a great person. My deepest condolences to Melissa and the kids.
Melissa and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am also very sorry for not keeping in touch over the years. I am praying that God will tenderly comfort all of you during this time. I have known JJ since kindergarten and every memory that I have of him, he was always so friendly, caring, helpful, & full of laughter. He was never either had a smile on his face or that face of .. I wonder. Oh yeah, and that rag (blanky) he used to carry around everywhere. He will be very missed and I love all of you!
Dear Patti Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences; our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember J.J. on the soccer field for he always had a way to get his team mates energized. There was never a dull moment around him. He is part of my fondest memories of high school. It sounds as though J.J. carried that same passion in all he pursued in his life. J.J. was one of the good guys. He will be missed. We are sorry for your loss.
At 4:00pm, Eastern Standard Time, I will stop whatever I am doing and take a moment of silence and prayer for every one of you who are facing this difficult time. Though my friendship with all of you is from 20 years ago, and I’m thousands of miles away, I will gladly be there in heart as another supporter to your family. Hearts are aching all over the world right now, but the individual and community impact this has will bring blessings in time. More personal expressions will follow in the mail. (From Khalil Gibran: “One day you will ask me which is more important, my life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life.”)
Melissa, kids, and Patti Families,
I met JJ at the Italian about a dozen years ago and have developed a great friendship with him ever since. He always greeted everyone with a great smile and was just such an amazing person. We had a lot in common; beautiful family, golf, CU, and being Italian. I will be unable to make the funeral, as I am in Baltimore. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.
Dear Patti family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. From the moment I met JJ when he was hired at Newmont to the little time I worked with him, I knew he was a great soul. He had a captivating smile and he will truly be missed. I pray that God comforts you in your valley.
Donna
Our thoughts are with you and you have our deepest sympathy. JJ was a great colleague and an inspiration to those who worked with him. He will be missed.
Dear Melissa, Kennedy, J.J. Jr. and the rest of the Reyes and Patti Families,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I have not talked to J.J. since graduation – I remember he always had a smile on his face, therefore you could not be near him in high school without smiling yourself-his laugh was also contagious. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. May Gods Blessings be with you all through these tough times.
I am so sorry for your loss. My girls have been reminiscing about playing with JJ and the Brooks boys on Elfway, and it brings back a flood of memories of better days. My heart aches for you. I pray that the Lord will comfort you through these dark days. I know you share the same faith as I do, and that faith reassures us that we will meet our loved ones again in heaven.
Dear Judy, Aaron, and family,
I send you my heartfelt condolences. One of my sons, Antonio Lazo (Central ’95) met JJ when both worked from the New York office of Accenture on a project in Mason, Ohio. I wrote to him and his twin, Ricardo, about your loss. Though I didn’t know JJ, I learned about him from the newspaper and I wrote to my sons, “He sounds like a wonderful young man – loving family man, educated, smart, community-oriented, and successful.” Antonio replied how tragic your loss and wrote, “He’s all those things you listed and more. Not only was he funny, but an incredibly successful person who put Pueblo, CO on the map in a good way.” Ricardo remembered Antonio telling him about JJ from that Ohio project so many years ago. Both of my sons remember that I took them to your family restaurant from the time the were babies when we first moved to Pueblo. Our hearts go out to you and know that you have many, many happy memories. God bless. Sincerely, your longtime customer,
Melissa and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am also very sorry for not keeping in touch over the years. I am praying that God will tenderly comfort all of you during this time. I have known JJ since kindergarten and every memory that I have of him, he was always so friendly, caring, helpful, & full of laughter. He always had a smile on his face or a face of .. I wonder. Oh yeah, and that rag (blanky) he used to carry around everywhere. He will be very missed and I love all of you!
Melissa I am sorry for your loss. Im not sure of the words to say right now to tell you how sad we all are for you and your families loss. Keep your head high and stay strong.
Patti family,
I have spent many moments over the past few days remembering J.J. running around the yard at St. Therese Church after Catechism classes, cracking jokes during May crowning practices and generally cracking wise in the halls of County High. He had an infectious smile and a fabulous persona which will be truly missed. May the memories you have of J.J. bring you comfort in the coming days. My heart and thoughts go out to Amy, Judy, Melissa and the rest of your family during this trying time.
Sincerely,
Melissa & Family
My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of grieving. I am praying for you to have peace and strength at this time
God Bless
Patti Family-
I am so sorry for the loss of J.J. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and may god be with you in this time of need.
Melissa and family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I have many wonderful memories spent with you and JJ and I will always cherish them. I was blessed to have him as a friend! I pray that God will give you the strength to carry on and help to ease the pain of JJ’s absence.
Melissa and family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I have many wonderful memories spent with you and JJ and I will always cherish them. I was blessed to have him as a friend! I pray that God will give you the strength to carry on and help to ease the pain of JJ’s absence.
Melissa, and Patti family-
my heart hurts for your loss. I don’t have any words. wanted to say I had much respect for J.J. and am grieved to hear the news.
know we are praying for you, and have been thinking of you a lot.
with love
Dear Patti Family,
I too, like many others have not been in touch for years, but as one of the members of the 3 lone houses on “our” Elf Way, I am so saddened at the loss of J.J. I will never forget my sister’s and my many years spent outside in the Elf Way culdesac goofing off with J.J., Doug & Mitch. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I will always think of J.J. when I think of my years growing up on Elf Way!
To the entire Patti family I send by deepest sympathies. J.J. was one of the finest young men I had the privilege to work with at County. He had an infectious smile and was loved by all around him. He could bring light to the darkest moment. I am honored to have known him. May you feel God’s comfort in this hour.
Dear Elsie, Judy and families,
How very sad I was to read of the loss of your son and grandson. Though we have been out of touch for some time, the Patti family has always been special to my family. Thinking of you and praying for your strength to see you thru this very sad time.
With love,
Rose Valente
Melissa and family,
Our deepedt sympathies to you for the loss of our buddy JJ, he was always so kind and warm with our boys. They will never forget the Rocky movie marathon he staged for them.
All our love
To the Patti and Reyes families,
I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts. His memory will always shine as his smile did.
Dear Judy and family-was so saddened to learn of JJ’s passing and to know of your hurt and pain. Though I didn’t know JJ personally, I’m certain of his” specialness” because of respect I have for those members of your Patti family I have been fortunate enough to meet. Please know that my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Most sincerely, Kathy Wise
Patti Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.JJ was a great person and he will truly be missed…
Melissa, Kennedy, JJ and Patti Family
So sad to hear of the passing of JJ. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God’s peace comfort you in this sad time.
Melaini
Melissa, Kennedy,little J.J. and all of the Patti family our thoughts and prayers are with you, J.J. was a stand up guy, one thing i remember about J.J is he would always go out of his way to tell you hi, he will be truely missed by all.
With the deepest sympathy we pray for the entire Patti family, Melissa and your children especially. May God ease your pain and regularly remind you of all the wonderful JJ moments. You are in our prayers.
With sadness,
Annie Cicero-Bredael & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is affected by the loss of such a wonderful person, who was taken from us too soon. May God bless you and help ease your pain until you meet again. With all of our love, Robert, Steph, and Lucy
Although we are extended family and I only knew of your family through JJ’s grandparents Ang & Elsie Patti (Elsie and my grandfather were brother & sister), I nevertheless am very sorrowful to hear of JJ’s passing. May God help you through this time of great loss. With deepest condolences, David Di Bella
Dear Patti Family,
Even though we haven’t been in contact for a long time, as former neighbors, Gene, Katrina, Jordan & I want to expess our heartfelt condolences & prayers to all of you. May God be with you during this time.
Renee Dwyer
Melissa, I love you! Patti/Reyes families, may the Grace of God, the Peace the passes all understanding, and the Healing Hand of the Holy Spirit be evident in your days and nights ahead. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray each and every memory stay vibrant. Life long friends, childhood sweethearts… Melissa, I am so sorry. I will be praying for you, your babies.. the whole family. ILY
Dear Melissa and Family,
Judy, Tony, Aaron, Chris, Amy and Families,
I can’t begin to express my sympathy to you. The Patti Family was so special to me, and I thought the world of all of you during your years at County High. J.J. was special in his own right. I still see that twinkle in his eyes and mischievous smile when I think of him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. With sadness…
Melissa and family,
While I did not know your husband personally, I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences and prayers, during this difficult time. Should you need anything, I am here.
Love,
Matthew Gonzales (cousin)
JJ — My best friend one weekend every year.. We talked often about the importance of family and how special ours were… From mine — Lynn, Tori, Julianna and Geno — to yours (not enough room to list them all, brother), our deepest and heartfelt condolences… You will be missed my friend…