Mario Valverde

Mario Valverde, 64, of Denver, passed away on January 9, 2022. He was born March 15, 1957, in Lynn, Mass, the son of (Mother) Pilar Marie (Rivera) Valverde, (Father) Charles, and (Stepmother) Patricia Valverde.

Mario is survived by Wife Debra Valverde, Son, Mario Giancarlo Valverde; Daughter, Gia Alia Valverde; Grandson, Carlos Francisco Landin; Parents Charles and Patricia, Siblings Lorene Valverde, Gino Valverde, Anabelle McKee, Debra Lucero, Paul Dewey Rivera, Margie Rivera; many nieces and nephews, as well as other family and friends who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Pilar Marie Valverde, and Brothers Carlos Milo Valverde and Michael Eugene Rivera.

Mario became a Denver Firefighter on July 16th, 1982 and served his city for 27 years. He retired on September 2nd, 2009, as an officer, at the rank of lieutenant. His record includes an EMS Excellency award for the administration of life-saving measures while not on duty. Mario also volunteered his time leading the Denver Fire Department Explorers Program, where he shared his knowledge, know-how, and experience with those interested in careers as firefighters. He spent his Saturdays guiding his explorers through live simulations and situational readiness. He was lovingly known as 'the alien guy, and resident conspiracy theorist at the Firehouses he bunked at.

In his youth, Mario was a Colorado Golden Gloves boxing champion. The legend of his pugilistic prowess extended into his 40s. Mario's notable appearances in the squared circle include:

· The 1993 World Police and Fire Games, where he took home the silver medal.

· A Police vs Firefighters smoker in Bermuda, where he won his bout and was named the event's most stylistic fighter

He will be remembered as a good husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Mario will also be fondly remembered as a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews. He would organize exciting outings, vacations, and cultural experiences to share with his family, both immediate and extended. Mario's big-kid-at-heart charm and wittiness kept everyone included and engaged anytime he was in the room.

His storytelling, singing, dancing, and even his debating, at home and at family gatherings, will be greatly missed.

Mario was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in, in his personal or professional life. When it came to his family, they knew they could count on him to back them up when they needed him… because he would push to the front and lead the way, through hell or high water, without hesitation.

Services for Mario Valverde will be held on February 12th, at 11 am at His Love Fellowship 910 Kalamath St., Denver, CO, 80204 with a reception to follow at Sons of Italy 5925 W 32nd Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80212.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at his services or by visiting GoFundMe.

To share a memory of Mario or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.