Dino John Cardenas

Dino graduated from Platte Valley High School in Kersey, CO in 1985. Our gentle giant was in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and could type over a hundred words per minute. Dino enjoyed playing pool tournaments since 7th grade at his family-owned Pool Hall in Kersey, CO. He enjoyed family poker nights at his parents’ home.

He was a heavy equipment operator for most of his working career. Dino met his partner Verna Lott of Greeley in 2007 and shared many laughs during their time together. Dino, along with his life partner and best friend, Verna Lott, enjoyed life together and spoiling their grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. They called him the “Best Papa Ever”! He traveled to various states to watch his grandson Hayden Moser (aka “Champ” by Papa) play competitive football and baseball. He also enjoyed watching his granddaughter Emmerie (Emmi “Sweet Pea”) Moser dance her little heart out. They were his pride and joy.

Dino will always be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his heart that was as big as he was, always putting others before himself. He threw the best barbecues where he made his delicious chicken thighs, and he would never give out his recipe. Dino would help the neighborhood kids by offering odd jobs to help them earn extra spending money. He would never turn anyone away who needed a little help.

Dino is preceded in death by his mother Florinda (Flo) Cardenas, his life partner and best friend Verna Lott, nephew Jonathan David (JD) Scott and Grandparents John & Annie Griego and Angelo Cardenas & Lupe Lopez.

He is survived by his father Toby Cardenas Sr., daughter Jennifer (Justin) Moser, grandchildren Hayden and Emmerie Moser. Sisters Hazel Cardenas of Greeley, Marie (Greg) Scott of Kansas, Tommi (Ron) Cardenas Hora of Eaton and brothers Toby (Treasa) Cardenas of Greeley and Lupe (Robyn) Cardenas of Windsor. 13 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews, Bryson Mijares of Wyoming and many friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday February 17, 2024 at 12:00pm at Allnutt Funeral Home 6521 W 20th Street, Greeley, CO. Reception immediately following service.