Gary Rocco Licata

Gary Rocco Licata was born in Denver, Colorado at St. Joseph Hospital on September 6, 1951. He was the first of four sons of Rocco and Sadie Licata.He attended Holy Family High School and started his college education at School of Mines in Golden and graduated from The University of Colorado in Boulder. He met his wife Mary Ann at her sister’s wedding while working his way through college as an accordionist in his own band. In 1975, they were married and began their traveling adventures. They lived in San Antonio and Clear Lake TX, Lake Tahoe, La Jolla, CA and eventually back to Denver, where he continued to work in real estate while dabbling in Gold Mines in Ecuador, Orchid Farms in Hawaii and Euro Trading in Switzerland and England. He and Mary Ann worked for FEMA in American Samoa and Hawaii and traveled for pleasure around the world.

Gary also took “alone” time to visit India – to find himself. He was asked to leave his ego and his shoes outside before entering the temple. He returned with his ego intact – but they did take his shoes – his Nike shoes! After returning from India – he felt the need for more “alone” time (while Mary Ann ran their appraisal company). He trekked to the Alaskan Tundra to visit his school friend, Father Mark. Of course, Father Mark was not based in a big Alaskan city - oh, no – snow mobile was the main transportation to get to Father Mark’s parish during the winter months, but Gary never complained.

Denver eventually became Gary’s home again. He connected with his Italian Heritage with involvement in several Italian organizations including Italians of America, Sons of Italy, Italian American Business Association, Dante Alighieri Society, Mt. Carmel’s Men’s Club and Potenza Lodge.

He could be infuriating, exasperating, and frustrating, but at the end of the day, he was a devoted husband and a good man who never gave up on himself – or anyone in need – from family members, close friends and acquaintances, to strangers Mary Ann would find sitting in their living room. He loved helping people and volunteering his time. Sometimes he over-extended himself, but he would do it anyway with a light heart and a dedication to service.

Gary had an adventurer’s spirit while friendship was at the foundation of his life.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his mother, Sadie; his brothers, Joe and George,his sisters and brothers–in –law; aunts and uncles; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

We all love you, Gary.