Mariano Ortiz Rico

Passed away peacefully at his home in Castle Rock, CO on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Mariano was 93 years young at the time of his death after a year of declining health. Mariano’s faith in the Lord sustained him during this time.

Mariano was born on March 6, 1930, in Ecuandureo, Michoacán, Mexico to Jesus Jesus Rico and Luz Maria Ortiz. He had four sisters and three brothers. When he was 17 years old, an uncle helped him travel to Stockton, CA where he obtained a work permit, and a few years later, another uncle assisted him financially to travel to Denver, CO.

In Colorado is where he met the love of his life, Delma Olivia Martinez. They married on March 17, 1957, and raised two sons. Mariano believed in hard work and providing for his family and purchased the family home in Denver where he lived for 55 years.

When asked about his education, Mariano always responded he had two levels of education – 1st and 2nd grade! He was proud of the education he received from Emily Griffith Opportunity School where he studied to speak English and to become a citizen of the United States.

Mariano worked at Claylite Company where they made cinder blocks. After 28 years, he and Delma decided the job was too dangerous after suffering an eye injury. He then worked for Rio Grande Railroad until his disability retirement.

Mariano was a devoted Christian and served as a Deacon for many years with the First Spanish Assembly of God. He was an read his bible regularly and was knowledgeable of the scripture. His family will miss him singing his favorite songs around the house. He considered Pastor David Garza a good friend as well as his pastor.

Mariano is survived by his youngest brother Manuel (Mercedes); his son Johnny (Yvonne); his grandsons Jonathan (Ana) and Steven; his granddaughters Alyssa (Daniel) and Miranda (Christopher); four great-grandchildren that he adored, Aidee, Aaliyah, Jaxson, and Orlyn; and many nieces and nephews.

He joins in eternal life his loving wife, Delma; his son Steven; his brothers Jesus and Jose; and his sisters Rosa, Panchita, Maria, and Nicolassa.

A special thank you to The Denver Hospice and hospice nurse Michelle who would put a smile on Mariano’s face each time she would visit.

“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.”

Philippians 1:21-26

A visitation for Mariano will be held Monday, August 21, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:45 PM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00pm and a Graveside at 3:00.

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