December 30, 1950 – December 5, 2019
On December 5, 2019, John Harold De Marco passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Having been born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado to an Italian-Greek family on December 30, 1950, John remained proud of his heritage throughout his life. His first language was an Italian dialect his mom spoke, and he continued to communicate with his aunts, uncles, and grandparents in that dialect.
After attending Central High School, he went on to join the Coast Guard and serve on the French Frigate Shoals in the Pacific. Upon his return he went on to complete a four-year degree at the University of Southern Colorado, now CSU-Pueblo.
During his time at University, John loved to poke fun at authority, maintaining this devious sense of humor throughout his life. One hot summer, without fans or air conditioning in the dorms, John took it upon himself to turn the communal shower into a communal swimming pool. On another occasion, just to prove a point, he proceeded to disassemble and entirely reassemble his motorcycle in his dorm. Although this was successful, he was promptly kicked out of the dorms entirely.
Before graduation, John got married and moved to Colorado Springs where he began his thirty-seven-year career with the US Postal Service. Despite the distance, he made sure to be at family dinners at his parents’ house, on the farm, or in the mountains; he always made sure his family didn’t miss out on “sauce” on Sundays. He maintained a life-long love of the Pueblo chilies some of his family farmed, eating them at literally every meal for decades. Even when camping, John always managed to make the best skillet breakfasts.
An avid golfer, especially when playing with his father and brother, he would sometimes play in the Sons of Italy golf tournament. For all his travels from childhood through adulthood with his group of friends, he really enjoyed spending time with people in his home, whether it be on the patio, in the living room, or just visiting after a meal around his kitchen table.
Much like his aunts and uncles on the farm, John knew how to just be, once the doing was done. He was a deep listener who loved being serenaded by the guitar. Even when his daughter, Bethany, was a child playing the piano, he would often make her play for him.
John is preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Chris De Marco and is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Bethany De Marco and Mike Hall; son, Brian De Marco; brother, Lenny; “older brother”, Chuck Gove; cousin, Harry De Marco; ex-wife, Evelyn De Marco; and girlfriend, Carol Flynn. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel.
Sandy Sayle
19 Dec 2019Living in Arizona, John was always one of my favorite Colorado friends. There was just such a gentleness and kindness about him. There was just something about him that drew me to him. Maybe it was his kind eyes or his quiet laugh. I am very fortunate to have known him. He will be missed on my next trip to Colorado. My heart goes out to Carol and to his friends and family.
Jan Whitney
20 Dec 2019Johnny… you were such a beautiful soul. Always trying to help others. You would give us the shirt off your back if we asked. You have left a void in the lives of the many friends who loved you. My condolences to Carol and your family. We know you are now in a beautiful place. Rest easy, my friend, We miss you.
Charles Gove
21 Dec 2019John-To know you was to love you. You and your family were a “large” part of my life. Your Mom and Dad were my second parents. And you were always my “Little Brother”. We had some great times and we did our best to look out for each other. I wish I’d been around to help you through some of the harder times, but work took me too far away.
I remember the swimming pool well. Couldn’t believe you really pulled it off! And, when we went to see “The Godfather” movie, you laughing when they spoke Italian (no subtitles) and when I asked what they said, you’d tell me “I’ll tell you later”. Of course, you never did!
We shared some good times. We shared some secrets. Unlike “blood” brothers, we never fought. You always had my back and I did my best to have yours. You took a large chunk out of my heart when you passed. But you’ll always have a place there. I’ll cherish the memories we made till I join you and then we can laugh again! Bless you, John
Roman Chavez
22 Dec 2019Loved you John. You were a heck of a good man.
Karen (Theodore) Knight
22 Dec 2019John, even though we didn’t see much of each other after our time at the Post Office I will always remember our long talks and friendship during our 30 years there. You will be missed. My condolences to your loved ones.
Sheryl Talamantes
22 Dec 2019I had the pleasure of working with John at the post office. What a kind, gentle man who always took time to listen to you & to say hello everyday. May God comfort the family & friends of John at this sad time. Rest In Paradise & one day I will see you again. Your were an angel on earth, now you are one in Heaven…God Bless….
Jon Quist
23 Dec 2019Paula & I always enjoyed visiting with John & Ev in the springs, for family get together’s & especially Christmas was always a very fun time. I remember going to the farm with John & Ev & expierencing my first real Italian dinner. John was like a brother to me & we always had fun together. John always had a lot of love for Paula and I, we will miss him very much.
Sharon Gauld
23 Dec 2019John you are such a loss to our family. We are truly going to miss you. Bob and I cruised with you and Carol many times, we had so much fun. We also spent time at family gatherings and everyone fell in love with you, from aunts brothers and nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Thank you for being a part of our family, you laughed with us you grieved with us you were always there. The Good Lord took you too soon from us but said: John you work on earth is done and you did a darn good job of it, now I have a special place for you in heaven. Carol we grieve with you at his loss. God Bless You! And John you rest in peace With much love
SharonGaulde
Deb (Corrigan), Mike, Casey& Samantha (Ware) Mastreno
29 Dec 2019My Dear John,
You, Harry & I had a few good laughs in our younger years! My family & I have missed your smiling face. Our regards to your kids & loved ones. Happy trails till we meet again my old friend.
Perry Thompson
30 Dec 2019Sweet Johnny, you were such a dear friend, so kind, caring, and lovable. We will miss you so much!
Love you John…….
Perry & Richard Thompson