Ernesto Leonardo Delgado

Ernesto Leonardo Delgado entered into rest on December 1, 2016. He was 86 years old. Ernie was born on June 19, 1930, the tenth child of Ildeberto and Zenaida Espinosa Delgado in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He attended schools in Santa Fe, graduating from high school in 1948. He joined the U. S. Army and was stationed at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. Because he had excellent typing and office skills he stayed at Fort Monmouth for the extent of his military career. While in the Army Ernie met, courted, and married his wife, Polly.

They moved to Greeley where Ernie enrolled at Colorado State Teachers’ College (now UNC). He earned his undergraduate degree and his master’s degree, finishing his schooling in 1958. He worked for 32 years as an Industrial Arts teacher in District 6, first at Meeker Junior High and then at the brand new John Evans Junior High. He also owned and operated the Putt-Putt Golf in Greeley during the time his children were growing up, employing them and their friends and providing a fun place for the city of Greeley.

He retired from teaching in 1989. After his retirement he remained very active; travelling, helping friends and neighbors, working with his church, and being an outstanding father, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and husband. The traditions that he established in our family will never, ever be forgotten. The love that he had for Polly and all of us will live in us forever. His laughter, his zeal for perfection, his ability to make us laugh at silly things, and his allegiance to what is good and right have become a part of us and will never die.

Ernie has always been a faithful Roman Catholic. He participated fully in the life of Saint Mary Catholic Church. He served as a Eucharist minister, began a Senior Mass, and worked with Luncheon for Seniors providing many enjoyable programs. He helped to establish and worked many hours with a program called A Room at the Inn, which was held in the basement of the church and provided beds and food for homeless families.

Along with his wife Polly, Ernie served on the advisory board at Guaranty Bank for many years, planning and helping with trips and activities all over the country.

Although he loved and followed lots of sports, he was a devoted Notre Dame fan. One of the highlights of his life was when he and Polly embarked on a great adventure to South Bend to meet David to attend a football game and to pay homage to Touchdown Jesus. It was his one wish upon retirement.

Ernie was the last surviving member of his family of 11 children, nine of which lived into adulthood. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Polly; his sons David, Steve (Holly), and Tom (Jennifer); his daughters Susan (Doug Stanton) and Jill (Tommy Spaulding); nine grandchildren Ashley (Nate Grover), Adam Stanton (Stephanie), Jason Delgado (Beth), Jocelyn Delgado, Amber Tangen, Tyler Brown, Anthony Chambers, Caroline Spaulding, and Tate Spaulding; and six great grandchildren Emma Mahoney, Dennis Mahoney, Kennedy Grover, Graham Grover, Elena Delgado, and Josiah. He is also survived by his favorite niece, Patricia, and other nieces and nephews Alma Rosa, Toby, Mark, James, Stephanie, and Melinda.

His youngest grandchildren have a final message for him: Sleep well, Papa Tiger, we love you and will miss you very much. Be sure to tell the angels your corny jokes!

We are positive that Jesus was waiting for Ernie, ready to tell him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. followed by the Rosary at 7:00 P.M., at the Allnutt Macy Chapel on December 8, 2016. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary Catholic Church on December 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donations to Saint Mary Catholic School or to TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.