John F. Ceplo

John was born on March 20, 1932 to Earl (Fred) and Dorothy Ceplo. John was the oldest of five children; survived by two brothers, Bob and Ken, and two sisters, Maureen and Carol. John grew up in Montrose until his early teens when the family moved to a farm in Greene, New York. He often joked about the chores he did on the farm. Per his brother Bob, John was one of the most popular kids in school, getting along with teachers, coaches and school mates. His easy going manner drew others to him. In High School, John was one of the best athletes the school system had ever seen, winning 17 all-star awards. He was quarterback for his football team and lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. John held the school record for most points scored in one game for the basketball team for many years.

Because of his athletic record and reputation in his school league, when John graduated high school, professional baseball scouts asked John to try out for the Dodgers in Brooklyn, where he was immediately offered a baseball contract. He was told he was throwing the ball as fast as one of the team’s closers. He pitched for seven years and rose through the ranks and finished in the AAA. Two of those years John pitched for the Pueblo Dodgers.

While John was pitching with the Pueblo Dodgers, he met his wife Patricia Ann Donahue. After courting for a year, they were married at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Pueblo. They had three children and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last September. John loved to go dancing with his wife and was referred to as twinkle toes and smoothy. They enjoyed golfing together and spending time with family and friends.

After working in the construction business for several years, John started his own successful construction company which he was involved in until his passing. John was known for his honesty, integrity, and truly caring about his customers. He was known for going out of his way to accommodate his customers at no benefit to himself.

John was an excellent musician, first playing trombone in his high school band by ear, and then teaching himself to play jazz piano. Many times he entertained his family and friends with his piano playing.

John served on the Country Club Board of Directors for several years. John loved to play golf, and was a club and city champion. John loved to joke around and laugh. No matter who his golf partner was, they were all subject to his sense of humor. He was referred to as spook, because he would say he was going to hit a great shot and then he would do just that. He was known to show up on the golf course and throughout the community in slippers.

John loved his wife and family, and closely followed all the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His love of life, and his love for his wife and family will be deeply missed.

The family welcomes all comments and fond remembrances of John, including funny stories. God Bless!