Esmael Agapito Valerio

Esmael “Mel” Valerio was born on November 24, 1942, in Taos, New Mexico, and passed away on October 19, 2025, in Longmont, Colorado. A proud New Mexican, he was immediately beloved and spoiled by his mother, Nestora, and lovingly supported by his father, Agapito. Soon after the birth of his sister, and when he was only five years old, his mother passed away from breast cancer. Based on his father’s need to pay for his wife’s medical bills, Mel lived with his grandmother, Carmelita, but due to her long work hours, he was mainly left to raise himself.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam Era, with his work focusing on intelligence. He earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees in computer science from Southern Colorado State University (now Colorado State University Pueblo) and subsequently worked for the civilian government in national security, intelligence, and management. He retired at 54 years old.

While proud of his work, he wouldn’t want a summary of his life to focus on his career. He loved his wife of 57 years, Rose, with his whole being. He lit up when she walked into the room, and they did everything together. His son and daughter, Anthony and Teresa, were the pride of his life. He shared his children’s successes with anyone who would listen, and he believed his granddaughters, Kristin and Savannah, were perfection personified.

His favorite pastimes included fishing with his wife and telling tall tales of their catches; traveling together to locations as varied as Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, the Mediterranean, Russia, China, Central America and Panama; finding opportunities to laugh and share great meals with those he loved; cheering on the Denver Broncos and the football teams for his children’s and granddaughters’ alma maters, and recounting the graduations of each of his offspring and granddaughters.

Mel will be long loved by his wife, Rose Valerio; son, Anthony “Tony” (Debra); daughter, Teresa (Kevin Parrot); his granddaughters, Kristin Valerio and Savannah Parrot; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Agapito and Nestora Valerio; his sister, Rebecca Romero; and his infant son, Craig.

A mass to celebrate Mel’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont, Colorado (323 Collyer Street). Rose, Teresa, and Tony invite you to join them for a birthday party lunch to celebrate Mel’s life and legacy, starting at noon at The Social Lounge (2025 Ionosphere Street, Longmont, CO 80504).

Please leave a memory of Mel, photos, or condolences for the family.