Stephen Lawrence Gigliotti

Steve was born on March 28, 1961 in Philadelphia, PA. Steve and his family moved to Colorado Springs in 1967. After graduating from Colorado State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Steve worked for 3 years with A1 Paramedics as a dispatcher and EMT. In 1985, Steve married Gini Ledwig. Steve and Gini met as nextdoor neighbors when they were young teens. They became high school sweethearts and went on to have a loving thirty-nine year marriage and three wonderful children. In 1987, Steve earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from The Colorado College and then began his thirty-one year career teaching science in Colorado Springs School District 11. He taught at Mitchell High School from 1987-1991. Steve joined the Doherty High School staff in the fall of 1991 where he spent the rest of his career teaching Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Advanced Placement Biology, before retiring in 2018. Throughout his entire career, Steve remained full of pride, joy, and enthusiasm in his chosen profession as an educator.

Although Steve loved the classroom, he also strongly believed in the value of education out in the field. In 1995, he founded and directed Field Science Adventures (1995-2001), a nonprofit organization that inspired student interest and understanding of the natural world through participation in unique summer programs. During his tenure at Doherty High School, he founded and directed Doherty Science Field Studies. This program allowed Doherty students to engage in meaningful science education while experiencing the adventure and wonder of the outdoors. After his retirement, Steve acted as a consultant for and participated in the ongoing field studies program. For the past twelve summers, Steve worked for Three Rivers Resort and Crested Butte Angler as a fly fishing guide on the Gunnison River. This summertime employment allowed him to continue to combine his skills as an educator with his passion for spending time in the the mountains and on the river.

Steve was truly an outdoorsman. His interests included skiing, rock climbing, canyoneering, kayaking, rafting, caving, mountain biking, fly fishing, and water fowl hunting with his beloved black lab, Cash. Steve was a man of many interests and hobbies. His endless curiosity and quest for knowledge led him to immerse himself in a variety of endeavors, including playing classical guitar, building furniture, training dogs, playing chess, and reading fervently. Steve’s passions were many, but by far, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.

Steve is survived by his wife Gini Gigliotti, sons Jake Gigliotti (Amy), Sam Gigliotti, daughter Allison Gigliotti, parents Larry and Judy Gigliotti, sister Vicki Gigliotti (Steve M.), brothers Andrew Gigliotti (Kara), Matt Gigliotti. Steve was uncle to Alyssa Mulligan, Caden Gigliotti, Maria Gigliotti, and Lita Gigliotti.

Sadly, Steve’s wonderful life was cut short by the devastating diagnosis and progression of pancreatic cancer. The family would like to thank all of the extended family and friends for all of their love and support.

In Steve’s honor, contributions may be made to the nonprofit organizations Back Country Hunters & Anglers or American Rivers.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 @ 11:00 am in the Doherty High School Gymnasium (4515 Barnes Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80917), followed by a luncheon reception. Please enter from the east parking lot.