John Cunico

December 15, 1948-November 23, 2018

     John Cunico was born in Sopris, Colorado, to Angie and Louis (Binda) Cunico. He grew up in the small mining town near Trinidad, Colorado. John’s parents owned the Cunico Grocery Store. John enjoyed helping his Dad deliver groceries to the people of Sopris. He had a younger brother, Bob, and they enjoyed spending time with their extended family of many aunts, uncles and cousins. John came from a loving Italian family, he loved sports and playing the trumpet in a band. He graduated from Trinidad High School in 1967 and attended Trinidad State Junior College. He married Jolene Glorioso on June 7, 1969. John started his career as a junior high teacher in 1972 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, School District Eleven. He dedicated his life to students by teaching typing, business and tech lab for twenty-eight years. John was a successful boys’ and girls’ basketball coach, leading teams to numerous city championships. After retirement, John had the opportunity to coach both of his grandsons in Southern Colorado Basketball teams. His daughter Danette followed in her father’s footsteps and has been an elementary teacher in District Eleven for twenty-seven years. John was a lifelong Broncos fan and forty-year season ticket holder. He enjoyed traveling to see the Broncos play in both regular season games and Super Bowls.  John always had a passion for his roots and helped to organize Sopris reunions throughout the years. He took pride in designing the t-shirts and hats for the reunions. John was an organ and tissue donor. He is deeply missed by his wife, children and grandchildren. His legacy will live on forever.

Danette Grantz (daughter)