Henry J. Kostro

Henry J. KostroHenry, age 86, passed away peacefully at HopeWest Hospice on April 13, 2015, after a short battle with lung cancer. Henry was born on January 1, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Kazmierz and Maryanna (nee. Napierkowski). He grew up on a farm in Hanna, IN, and made his way to Chicago, IL, where he worked 48 years as a printer for RR Donnelley. After a courtship requiring 90 mile drives to pick up his sweetie for a date, Henry married the love of his life Fran (nee. Nester) in 1949. He retired to Arizona in 1992 where he enjoyed gardening, biking, decorating the house for Christmas, working at a local golf course, and jewelry-making. Henry fell in love with Colorado and moved to Grand Junction in 2003. When asked if he ever regretted the move, Henry said he wished he had done it sooner. He was a life-long dog lover and blood donor, and his sweet smile, good nature, and readiness to help will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 65 years, Fran; and children Sandy Reese of Lincolnshire, IL; Jerry (Patricia Picha) of Carlsbad, CA; Laurie Williams of Albuquerque, NM; and Nancy of Denver, CO.

The family is grateful to Henry's doctors who tried to fulfil his wish of seeing two more Christmases and one election, the therapy dogs who lifted his spirits, and the HopeWest staff who provided him care and comfort in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in any amount to HopeWest.

The funeral mass is in the Chapel at Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 2, 2015 at 12:30 p.m.