Leo R. Sherpa, age 91, passed away on October 25, 2014. He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 30 years. He was an accomplished musician.
Lee was born on May 11, 1923 to Joseph L. and Irene L. (Barnet) Sherpa in Syracuse, New York. On March 22, 1943 he married Genevieve Magill in Jacksonville, Florida.
Lee served in the United States Navy during WWII and played in the Navy and Army band. He was an honorary member of the American Legion. He was the first ordained deacon in the Colorado Springs diocese and served for 22 years. He formed the Lee Sherpa Trio and Quartet and played with well-known artists such as Gene Krupa, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra. Serving as Christ’s ambassador in Jesus name was Deacon Lee’s life’s purpose.
He is survived by his loving wife, Genevieve; his children: Irene (Bob) Rylander, Leo Jr., Theresa (Joe) Juhas, Debi, Mary, James, David (Amy), Michael (Jenny); nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Joe, and his sister, Rosemary. He was preceded in death by his daughters: Catherine and Nancy.
A Visitation will be held from 5pm to 6:30pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 with a Rosary to follow at Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 Carefree Cir N. Interment will be at the Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 11:15 a.m.