Joseph Anthony Muniz

Joseph Anthony Muniz, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home.

He was born November 9, 1966, in Denver, Colorado, the son of Anthony “Tony” Andre Muniz and Geri Madrid Sanchez. Joseph graduated from Pomona High School in 1985.

He then proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989 until he was honorably discharged in 1997. During his service, Joseph received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Sharpshooter Pistol Badge, Expert Rifle Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Mast, Letter of Appreciation (5th Award), Certificate of Appreciation, Air Force Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (with 1 star), Service Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Following his military service, Joseph built an accomplished career in the nonprofit sector, advancing membership and marketing for several of Metro Denver’s largest cultural organizations. He was especially proud of beginning his nonprofit career at the Butterfly Pavilion, where he started work the day after the Denver Broncos won their first Super Bowl in January 1998. He went on to share his expertise with organizations like Ocean Journey (before it became the Downtown Aquarium) and the Denver Botanic Gardens, among others.

Joseph - “Moo” or “Casualhero” - was charismatic, intelligent, and loving; he brought a larger-than-life presence wherever he went. He was a devoted Denver Broncos fan and loved when games would bring the family together. He'd usually be found working the crowd, cooking, cleaning up after everyone, or cracking jokes. He also enjoyed road trips and camping. His encyclopedic knowledge of music was unmatched. He was always listening to something different, but his love for the classics, like “American Pie” by Don McLean, never changed.

Left to cherish his memory are his life partner of twenty years, Erin Spletzer; his two daughters, Ashley and Melissa Muniz; his mother, Geri Madrid Sanchez; his sister, Georgina (Sean) Schott; his brother, Dwayne (Michelle) Muniz; and many other family members, friends, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony “Tony” Andre Muniz, and his “Pops,” Mike Pino Sanchez.

Services have been entrusted to All Veterans Funeral and Cremation. A committal service with military honors will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Parking areas are limited, so carpooling is recommended. If you plan on attending, please meet at Staging Area WHITE by 9:15 a.m. and remain in your vehicles at that time. Further instructions will be given at the Staging Area. A celebration of life will immediately follow, with the time and location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Colorado Veterans Project: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ColoradoVeteransProject. When making a donation, please enter Joseph Anthony Muniz in the optional ‘Dedication’ section. Please also enter the email address [email protected] in that same section so we may thank you appropriately.