John Bart Camilli

Heaven gained another angel on November 11, 2017. John Bart Camilli was born May 4, 1954 to Francis and Grace Camilli in Denver, Colorado and died peacefully at Porter Hospice in Centennial, Colorado. He is predeceased by his parents and grandparents, and is survived by his sisters and their spouses Ada Sandoval (Jim), Alice Toldness (Terry), and Joyce Camilli. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and cousins.

At the age of 4, John was diagnosed with profound mental retardation and after a difficult decision by his parents, was placed in the Grand Junction Regional Center in October 1958. In March of 1960, he was moved to Wheatridge Regional Center so he could be closer to his family. They provided the medical support and care required for John's medical condition. He was given excellent care and love by several wonderful caregivers, medical staff, and the administrators, that we all considered to be his extended family members. They provided him with a safe, comfortable and loving environment that enabled him to live a fairly healthy long life.

John liked to listen to music, loved attention from staff, and loved to hold stuffed animals and toys that made noise or lit up. Health permitting he would go swimming once a week, which he always enjoyed. The staff would also take him shopping, he went roller skating in his wheelchair, and even went river rafting, for his many activities. They always kept him busy and he loved every minute of it.

On November 1, John was admitted to St. Anthony Hospital to treat pneumonia. When I first saw him in his hospital bed, he was clutching a stuffed monkey, which was a new stuffed animal for him that I had not seen before. Unfortunately, John was not able to beat the pneumonia, and the doctor at the hospital and his personal doctor concurred that his condition was terminal and he would need to be put in hospice. He moved to Porter Hospice on November 9 and died early morning on November 11. He clutched his stuffed monkey the entire time until he passed. Our mother Grace's favorite stuffed animals were always monkeys, and it seemed a coincidence that he was sent to the hospital with this new toy.

We are very thankful and appreciative of the great care and attention John received during his life, and know he was very happy and loved by many. We all will miss him, and thank all that loved and cared for him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Special Olympics, in John's name.

To share a memory of John or leave a condolence for his family, please visit the guest book below.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, Thornton, CO.