Gregory A. Tesitor – October 30, 2021

1950-2021

   Greg Tesitor (Tes) passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2021 after a long battle with multiple myeloma surrounded by his wife, children, and sister. He was 71 years old.

   Greg was born on August 24, 1950 in Walsenburg, Colorado to the late Anthony and Marjorie (Utt) Tesitor. He was active in cub/boy scouts and served as an altar boy for the St. Mary Catholic Church. While at St. Mary’s High School he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. The friendships he made while in Walsenburg lasted his entire life and were some of his fondest memories.

   Upon graduation from high school, Greg attended Parks School of Business in Denver where he met his devoted wife Margie of 50 years. In 1970 he joined the Air Force and held many assignments during his 30-year career. A few of his noteworthy accomplishments include Airman of the Year at Lowry in 1971, selection for a Non-Resident Career Development Course (CDC) writer at the School of Health Care Sciences at Sheppard AFB, team leader in promotion testing for E-4 through E-7 pay grades, and Air Force Career Field Manager for the Optometry/Ophthalmology career fields. In 1995 Greg was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) and was assigned to the 59^th Medical Training Wing at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB Texas. While at Wilford Hall, he served as the manager for the Department of Ophthalmology until his retirement with full military honors in 2000. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. Upon retirement, Greg and Margie moved back to Colorado Springs where he continued his career in ophthalmology. He worked as an ophthalmology technician for Eye Associates of Colorado Springs from 2000 until 2016.

   Greg was a fanatic Denver Broncos, Colorado Buffaloes, and Air Force Falcons football fan, as exhibited by his closet full of hats and jackets. He also enjoyed elk hunting, fishing, camping with family, playing golf, and his country music. He treasured the Rocky Mountains and believed on the 7^th day God created Colorado. In 2015 he traveled to Prizzi, Sicily where he met his Italian cousins and rediscovered his Italian roots. This connection to family was a common thread woven throughout the fabric of his life. Greg will be remembered for his dedication, quick wit, great sense of humor and missed dearly by all those who knew him.

   He is survived by his wife Margie who was a source of unconditional love and strength as his health waned, his son Craig (Lisa) of San Antonio, Texas, his daughter Nikki Peralta (Dr. Mel Peralta) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sister Valerie Tesitor (Alamosa, Colorado), grandson Joseph Tesitor of San Antonio, and numerous nieces and nephews.

   A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5 at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery followed by a reception at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Colorado Palliative and Hospice Care for their devoted care and support.