Jose Onil Mercure

Jose Onil Mercure passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023 at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his children and family. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be missed dearly.

Onil was born November 10, 1934 to Eduardo Mercure and Floripe Aguilar and was the oldest of nine children . He was born and raised in the small village of Plaza Blanca, New Mexico. After high school he ventured to Denver Colorado with his brother Miguel.

In September 1955 Onil married Gloria Sanchez at the Lakewood Justice of the Peace, then had a religious ceremony at St. Cajetan's Parish, now a part of the Auraria Higher Education Campus. Together they had five children.

Onil and Gloria lived at 2125 Welton Street in Denver, then Onil got a job working as a laborer at the Kerl Brother's Greenhouse in Glendale. When son Daniel was ready to go to elementary school, they learned that since Glendale was in Araphaoe County and in an enclave of Denver County, Daniel would have a long ride to school. To avoid this, Onil found a job at Fred Shaffer's Greenhouse on Tower Road in Adams County. When Mr. Shaffer passed, his widow offered Onil to buy into the business and would continue working the carnation business for more than 20 years; he then went on to work for the Rio Grande Railroad (Union Pacific) for another 20 years.

Onil and Gloria enjoyed playing music and dancing together. In the mid-70s they started their own family band making memories for other people with their music. Onil and Gloria were dedicated parishioners at St. Pius X Catholic Church and were also members of the Knights of Columbus #4709

Along with his full-time job, he did handyman work. He became a staple in Aurora, fixing furnaces, doing electrical and plumbing work and working on vehicles. He was a jack of all trades.

Onil is the type of person who could easily make a friend wherever he went. He was personable, charming, and funny. For more than 20 years, he volunteered at Catholic charities helping Spanish-speaking families get resources they needed. He was humble, kind and very giving.

Onil’s hobbies included playing the guitar and singing. He loved fishing, especially in Fairplay and Rollinsville Colorado, where he spent many summers with his family. He also liked the occasional trip up the hill to gamble. He enjoyed going to Sunday Mass at St. Pius X followed by family breakfast then an afternoon dance at the American legion.

He was an avid sports fan. He watched his Nuggets win their first championship. He visited NY and saw his Yankees and he always loved his Broncos. Onil was Bronco season-ticket holder since 1965 never missing a game till recently. Onil passed his love of sports onto his children and it was a favorite family tradition.

Onil was “Grampo” to his grandchildren and he loved them all dearly.

Onil will be missed for his sense of humor and his natural ability to make people feel welcomed, comfortable and at ease.

His devotion to faith, family and friends was unmatched. He leaves behind a legacy of love and light for future generations to come.

Onil is survived by his children, Daniel (Gwyneth), Oniel Jr, Fred (Ellen), Michael (Mandy), and Belinda (Shay); grandchildren, Kristopher, Michael, Courtney, Ashley, Carlos, Ryan, Jessica, Stephanie, Amanda, Moses, Tyler, Maria, and Corina; great-grandson, Malcom Onil; siblings, Vicente (Baudelia), Delfin (Sylvia), Crisanta (V.R.), Virginia, and Robert, and a host of extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; siblings, Miguel (Annie), Ercilia, and April (Ralph).

Visitation for Jose will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Aurora, 1095 Havana Street, Aurora, CO 80010.

A rosary service will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM both at Ascension Catholic Church, 14050 Maxwell Place, Denver, CO 80239.

A committal service will occur Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Olinger Eastlawn Cemetery, 19600 East Smith Road, Aurora, CO 80011.

Reception will follow from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St, Aurora, CO 80011.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageAurora.com for the Mercure family.