Gerard Mares

Gerard Mares, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, was born in Denver, Colorado on April 30,1963 to Herman and Julia Mares. He was welcomed home by three older brothers, Eloy, Leonard and David.

As a child, Gerard participated in youth sports such as baseball, basketball and football although his size limited his playing time. That didn’t deter him from trying and eventually he enjoyed watching his older brothers in their activities. At Manual High School, Gerard swam for the high school team and proudly graduated in 1981.

During his younger years, Gerard was fortunate enough to develop lifelong friendships, especially the friendship he had with neighbors, Kevin and Reggie Polk. Throughout their lives, the three of them have maintained the bond that was established all those years ago and they celebrated each other’s achievements, mourned each other’s losses and enjoyed spending time together whenever they could.

Gerard had numerous jobs in his life, but the one that he enjoyed the most was when he was on the event staff at McNichols Arena/Pepsi Center. He was a true sports fan and loved being employed at a facility where he could enjoy being a small part of the Avalanche winning their first Stanley Cup as well as being through the ups and downs of the Denver Nuggets. After his stint in this position, he started working as a delivery driver for a variety of companies, falling in the footsteps of his dad. Unfortunately, he sustained as injury at his last job which rendered him unable to work and he was forced to retire.

Although Gerard never married nor had children of his own, his family and friends remember him as a constant presence in the lives of their children. There is no doubt that those kids will remember him with fondness and love.

Family was everything to Gerard. He took the deaths of Herman and Julia harder than any of us can imagine. He loved spending time with his family whether it be on holidays, birthdays, Bronco games or special events such as weddings. He was ever present when he was more mobile and able to get around and appreciated the invitations even if he was unable to attend.

Most recently, Gerard enjoyed living in his apartment in Wheat Ridge and was as content and happy as he had been for many years.

Gerard is survived by his brothers, Eloy (Karen), Leonard (Pat) and David; cousin and caretaker, Christine (Larry) Grant; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews; cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Julie Mares, as well as his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

A memorial service is scheduled for:

Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:30 am

Romero Funeral Home

4750 Tejon Street

Denver, Colorado 80211

**Reception to follow