Ronald J. Maniscalco

In the early morning hours of Friday, April 16th, 2021, the Loving Hand of God came and took Ronald James Maniscalco, 69, of Aurora, CO to his heavenly home. Ron’s heart, was totally loving, of which he gave and received beyond compare, became so full, it burst. Ronald, or as he was also called; Ron, Papa or Ronnie, left behind his beloved wife Teresa “Terri” Maniscalco, of almost 20 years. They were blessed with having each other for a little over 28 years. He called her his “Tager” because he couldn’t say Tiger and she called him her “Papa Bear”. He also left behind 2 step daughters, Shannon Grimes (Aaron) of Aurora, CO, Amber Shepard (Corey) of Thornton, CO. 3 step grandsons, Alex Grimes (Ashley), LaTarius Johnson and James Shepard, all of CO., The light of his life were his 2 step great grandchildren, Grace and Finn Grimes. Oh, can’t forget his faithful little dog, Bambi. He leaves behind also 2 brothers, Larry (Herby), Joe (Vicky) of CO and 2 sisters, Carolyn (Joe) of TX, Karen (John) of CO. Along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. His life was full so of friends. He was such a “wonderful, sweet soul” that he knew no strangers. Proceed in death were his mother and father, Josephine and Joseph Maniscalco, and his only son Jeremy Maniscalco.

Ron was born in Trinidad, Colorado and moved with his family to Denver when he was a teen. He graduated from North High School in 1971. He was drafted in into the Army in 1971. Was stationed in Korea, with occupations as Military Police and Sentry Dog Handler. This being in the Viet Nam War era, he received 2 decoration medals. The National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). Ron was there for 3 years.

When he was discharged in 1977, Ron started to work at General Iron in Denver, CO. This is where he found his calling as a Burner. This entailed cutting various shapes from large sheets of metal (like a dress pattern) only with a plasma torch. He learned all phased of that occupation. He also worked for Timberline Steel, Silver Engineering, both in Denver and lastly Brewer Steel, in Greeley, CO. Totaling 27 years in all. He then became disabled, due to a health problem, was forced to retire in 2011.

In 1992 he met the true love of his life, Terri. They were totally best friends and completed each other. On July 4th, 2001 they were married. Surrounded by family and friends. It was a Leather and Lace, Red, White and Blue wedding. They never stopped holding hands, kissing in public or telling each other several times a day that they loved each other. No matter what turmoil life brought them, even up until the moment he left this earthly life. They loved and supported each other completely. Their life was like a love novel that unfortunately, the end had been ripped out. Ron was a kind man, a decent man. He had a gentle and loving soul. Anyone who knew him or talked to Ron was greeted with warmth and affection. Ron never had a negative work to say about anyone, no matter how bad his day was and always looked for the good in people. Ron had such a positive impact on anyone he met. He was also a treasured father, brother, grandpa and great-grandpa. He so loved to cook and bar-b-que. Terri was spoiled, she never had to hardly cook. He enjoyed drinking beer with his friends, one lifelong friend was heard to say “Over the years we have enjoyed more than well... can’t even count that high!” He enjoyed margaritas with his wife. Their relationship was so special that they were always looking out for each other, especially when she would take their dog, Bambi out. Ron would watch her from the window of their 8th floor apartment to make sure she was ok. Ron truly is still looking out for Terri, but just from a much higher place. Anyone that knew Ron knew him for his deep, contagious laughter, silly and sometimes twisted humor. He was the world’s best bear hugger because he was such a Big “Teddy Bear”

Ron enjoyed bowling for many years until his knees gave out and had have both replaced. He cherished fishing with family and friends. Beer, did anyone say Beer! Yes, he enjoyed his beer but never totally out of control. It was always Beer-30 somewhere! He and his father-in-law, Rich sure found time for that. In fact we do believe they might just be having Beer-30 right now, up in Heaven! Family gatherings were very, very important to him. From just a few to the whole crew. That was his highlight. Planning and helping with family reunions, to making home make ice cream. It was all special for him, to be able to spend time with his loved ones. Along with all the other activities he loved playing Rummy and Poker with his family. That sometimes that could be an all-day marathon. He was a TRUE “Orange and Blue” die hard Bronco Fan…No matter how bad they played! That is why the request for anyone who wishes, to wear Bronco shirts to the Celebration of His Life.

Ron and his wife, Terri, were heavily involved with the motorcycle community and volunteered for years with: Ladies Run of Colorado, Colorado Motorcycle Show and Swap and I Love You Guys foundation. All 3 of those were charity organizations. They also loved taking road trips even if it were for the day up to the mountains. Ron and Terri enjoyed her parents company so much they took them on 2 different road trips with them. Then 2 years ago Ron and Terri took a 7 week, over 5000 mile and was planning another one starting next month.

Ron and Terri are members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO. They both were involved with the youth group and was always found in the kitchen when the need arose. He spent many hours volunteering for the church’s food bank until Covid hit and he had to quit.

In his death, he was an organ donor. Donor Alliance was able to recover from him several areas of skin for grafts for burn victims. They also used both his corneas so that within a week 2 other people will be able to see. Still in his death, he is giving.

Till we meet again, please watch over us Papa. Keep guiding us in the right direction! When we hear the thunder we will all know you are laughing in heaven.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be: Saturday, May 1st, 11:00 am,

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 111 E. Del Mar Circle. Aurora, CO.

Bronco or Rockies gear are more than welcomed to be worn. This is a Celebration!

The family request memorial donations be sent to either

The American Heart Association or

The Denver Animal Shelter (1241 W. Bayaud Ave, Denver, CO 80223)

In Memory of Ronald Maniscalco