1943
John
2024
John Patrick DiFalco
November 24, 1943 — April 29, 2024
Fort Collins
John Patrick DiFalco, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on April 29, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on November 24, 1943, in Steubenville, OH, John was the son of Italian immigrants, Antoinette (Ricci) DiFalco and Pasquale DiFalco. He is preceded in death by his sister, Elaine (DiFalco) LaFollette.
From Steubenville, John moved on to Columbus then on to Sidney, OH where his first child Elizabeth, from a previous marriage, was welcomed. Then he journeyed west to Colorado where he met and married Carolyn Otten of Denver, CO on June 11, 1977, in Golden, CO. They lived in Littleton, CO, and welcomed their first child together, Jennifer, then relocated to northern Colorado and welcomed their son Kevin in Greeley. They finally settled in Fort Collins in 1990 and spent winters in Cave Creek, AZ.
John was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1965 and his Juris Doctor in 1968 from The Ohio State University. Later earning a Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado in 1986. He had much knowledge to give and did so as an adjunct professor at Regis University and Colorado State University.
John was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1968 and Colorado in 1972. Additionally, he held bar admissions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court in Colorado, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
John held positions with the United States Postal Service, the City, and County of Denver, and served as the City Attorney of Greeley, CO. After finishing his service as City Attorney, he opened his own law firm. John represented the National League of Postmasters for 37 years, culminating in his work as a highly respected labor arbitrator. His fairness and expertise earned him respect and he was sought after by municipalities nationwide to resolve labor disputes.
Outside of his professional endeavors, John was an avid traveler, history enthusiast, and voracious reader. He delighted in stopping at every historical marker along his path and was a devoted Ohio State Buckeye, holding season football tickets and remaining actively engaged with the university as an alumnus for many years. He maintained a bet for over 50 years on "The Big Game" with his childhood friend. Additionally, he was a Brother of Alpha Phi Delta Italian Heritage Fraternity at The Ohio State University and later helped his son start a Chapter at the University of Colorado.
John is survived by his wife Carolyn, his children and his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Robert) Helgans of Longmont, CO, and their children Delaney, Charlotte, and Jasper. Jennifer (Albert) Esparza of Blooming Grove, TX, and his children Albert, Klaire, Kalob, and Jacob. Kevin (Mandi) DiFalco of Las Vegas, NV, and his children Nolan, Grayson, and Marina.
John’s passing leaves us with tremendous sadness, but thankfully with many stories to tell about his days on the little league team in Steubenville, trips to Columbus to see the Buckeyes, and countless words of wisdom to guide us in life.
Services will be held Monday, May 13th, at 11 am at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor, CO. Instead of flowers please consider a donation in John’s name to the following charities: Glioblastoma Foundation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Patrick DiFalco, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Funeral Service
Monday, May 13, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
Graveside Service
Monday, May 13, 2024
12:30 - 1:00 pm (Mountain time)
Lakeview Cemetery
Reception
Monday, May 13, 2024
1:00 - 2:30 pm (Mountain time)
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
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