Rosalio Vialpando

Ross Vialpando passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017, two weeks after his 84th birthday. He was born on October 14, 1933, the second child to David and Senovia (Sanchez) Vialpando. Ross is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Darline. He had four children Gwen, Roslyn (Dan) Vialpando-Miles, Marilyn, and Ross (Eve). His grandchildren lovingly called him “Pappo”. They are Nicholas, Gabby, Audrey, Elijah, Ross II and Mathew. Ross’ surviving siblings are LeeRoy (Brenda) of Chama, CO and Flora & Lucille of Colorado Springs, CO. He had numerous nieces and nephews. Both of his parents preceded him in death as well as his brother, Isaac (Nellie) of Alamosa, CO. Ross graduated high school in Rawlins, WY and a short time later joined the United States Air Force in telecommunications. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and deployed to Okinawa, Japan on a military ship. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force and following the Reserves, Ross started working in road construction in the Denver area. Over his 30 career, he drove a water tanker and a sand & gravel dump truck. In 1998, he retired from construction as a proud Teamsters union member. Ross knew how to enjoy life. He preferred the simple things like camping, sitting around the campfire telling jokes, taking adventures across the country in an RV and traveling to new places he had never been. He loved listening and singing to New Mexico and Tejano style music and dancing all night long. He was heavily involved in the church community including The Knights of Columbus. There he became a strong leader in many church functions including bingo, New Year’s Eve dances and the summer Derby Fair among other events. In his later years, Ross took great pleasure in becoming a Grandfather. He was Pappo to his six grandkids and was overjoyed at each birth. He enjoyed them immensely. Following his retirement, Ross became a gym rat at the Commerce City Rec Center, getting up at 4:30 am every day to be at the gym by 5:00 am. He wanted to be the first one there. As a result, he lost 40 lbs and was in his best health. After his workout, he enjoyed coffee time with many friends in the Senior Center. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Afib (atrial fibrillation). Later that year, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.