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<div>Tony Amendola passed away on December 29th, 2024. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 30 years, Patti, and their 6 dogs: Jake, Bella, Harley, Pepper, Ziggy, and Lennon. He passed in his sleep after a long battle with illness and chronic pain.
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<div><strong>Please consider donating to cover the cost of cremation, a celebration of life gathering, as well as the basic living costs for Patti and the dogs as she grieves, gets back on her feet, and adjusts to this massive change as she was his full-time caregiver.</strong>
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<div>Tony was an esteemed art collector specializing in Chicano and Indigenous art. He often hosted parties for the community of artists in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico. Additionally, he loved tending to his vegetable and medicinal garden and sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors.
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<div>Tony is survived by his four children: Michael, David, Sarah, and Danielle, and often referred to their friends as his children as well. He is joining his beloved dog Luna, who passed away earlier in 2024, as well as his Pop and aunt Mimi. We will all miss him very much.
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<div>More details are to come regarding a celebration of life around Tony’s birthday in March.
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Tony’s Legacy and Supporting Family In This Difficult Time

<div>Manito Rainbow Scholarship:
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<div>In loving memory of Cameron Jesse and Joanna Lucille Lucero
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<div>This scholarship is for those who self-identify as queer or trans, who have ties to S. Colorado and N.Mexico or a particular affinity for the Manito culture.
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<div>We will be raising funds for a scholarship. 
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<div>This scholarship is dedicated to: Cameron Jesse and Joanna Lucero
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<div>Cameron Michael Jesse
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<div>Cameron was born on August 16, 1997. He was majoring in Sociology at MSU Denver and was a devoted community activist for gay rights, children's rights and environmental justice.
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<div>His ancestral roots go back hundreds of years to the San Luis Valley of Colorado and New Mexico. As a Manito, he recognized the woven beauty of his cultural heritage and his peoples long history of survival by supporting each other through times of hardship. “This scholarship means a lot to me,” Cameron wrote before he died on Sept. 24, 2023. “ To me a child who was bullied, ridiculed and degraded in school all my life because I was gay, I know what it is like to be an outsider. But when I came to college with other Mantio students, I got it. Together we could make a safe and accepting space for others experiencing the same challenges and adversities we had experienced. That is the Manito way.”
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<div>As a university student, he finally found his place in life. He was accepted for who he was, not what he was. Working with the Journey Through Our Heritage program he developed leadership skills and a dedication to help those less fortunate than himself. He died while doing research for this scholarship. Cameron had set future timelines and goals to graduate from college and become a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Because of his untimely death at the age of 26, his aspirations to champion for those who needed to be championed were cut short. He planned on moving to the Valley to help other LGBTQ+ youth and honor his Manito heritage. May you who receive this scholarship carry on his dream to be a voice for change.
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<div>Cameron Jesse began working on this scholarship to honor the family descents of the matriarch Sarah Lopez Dussart, whose family has roots in New Mexico and S. Colorado dating back to the 1600s. Among these descendants is Joanna Lucero:
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<div>Joanna Lucero, of Denver, died on November 22, 2023, after a fiercely fought battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and her partner of three decades, Delores Flores( Denver, Co.)
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<div>Born May 9th 1938, Joanna was Avel and Lucy Lucero’s youngest child in a family of many brothers: She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Avel ‘Napoleon,’ Michael, and John. She is survived by her cousin John Fajardo (Broomfield, Co.) Goddaughte Kali Fajardo-Anstine ( Arvada, Co.) and Godson Mark Fajardo ( Longmont, Co.)In addition, she is survived by a plethora of adoring cousins and countless friends.
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<div>She graduated from West High School in 1957, worked as a bartender at some of the Metro area's first Lesbian bars and was a frequent contributor to the magazine Lesbians in Colorado. In the 1990s she was extensively interviewed by renowned queer author Katie Gilmartin, who was documenting gay life of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s in Denver.
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<div>From an early age, Joanna showed an interest in mechanics and electronics. This passion propelled her to eventually seek a career as an electrician at Rocky Flats, at a time when very few women and people of color were welcomed into the trades. Joanna carved the way for other women in STEM through her decades in the field and later her advocacy work at Mi Casa Resource Center, where she helped train women seeking to enter similar career paths.
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<div>A larger-than-life personality with an unrivaled joie de vivre, Joanna was an avid Broncos Fan, a devotee of heading ‘up the hill’ for video poker, and took great joy from serenading her family &amp; friends with her favorite Sinatra songs. She loved Cher, Betty Boop, classic movies, good jokes, green chili, ancient Egypt, John Wayne, her familia, and God. She will be dearly missed and always loved.
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<div>In lieu of flowers: Please remit checks to
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<div>Regis University Advancement
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<div>Rainbow Manito Scholarship Fund
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<div>Att. Roger Smith
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<div>3333 Regis Blvd. B-12, Denver, CO 80222
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<div>This scholarship was set up by Joanna Lucero and Cameron Jesse prior to her death to support students who advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ communities
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Cameron Jesse & Joanna Lucero Manito Scholarship

<div>**Help Fund My Mom's Memorial Service**
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<div>I am reaching out to you all today to request your support in funding my mom's memorial service. Lucille Ruibal-Rivera was an amazing community leader in Denver, leaving behind a legacy of art, music, healthcare, and love. She dedicated her life to making a positive impact on the lives of others and was deeply loved and respected by everyone who knew her.
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<div>Unfortunately, the cost of arranging a memorial service is beyond what our family can afford at this time. We want to give my mom the farewell she deserves, honoring her life and all the contributions she made to our community. Your generous donations will go towards covering the expenses associated with the memorial service, including venue rental, catering, and honoring her legacy through art and music.
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<div>Any amount you can contribute will make a difference and will be greatly appreciated. Together, let's celebrate the incredible life of Lucille Ruibal-Rivera and ensure that her memory lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by her kindness and compassion.
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<div>Thank you for your support and for keeping our family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
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<div>With heartfelt gratitude,
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<div>True
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Lucille Ruibal Rivera

<div>Dear Family &amp; Friends,
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<div>It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of our brother Calvin Ford, who unexpectedly passed away on Sunday July 2nd in Westminster, CO. Calvin had been struggling with addiction for several years. No matter the circumstances he struggled with every day we loved him deeply.
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<div>At this time, we would like to humbly ask for your support to help our family with all the funeral and travel arrangements in getting him back to his final resting place on the Navajo reservation. In addition, we also ask for your continued prayers, love, and support for the entire Ford Family. Calvin was a brother, son, uncle, and nephew and the weight of this tragedy is unimaginable.
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<div>Funeral arrangements will follow
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In Loving Memory of Calvin Ford

<div>On behalf of our beloved capitan's familia , Raul Chavez and our grupo Huitzilopochtli, we humbly thank you all for your support and love!<br />Because of your generous donations, we can bury our Capitan in a proper manner. <br />He took his role in the community as very serious obligation and never ever turned down any request. This man was soft-spoken and accepting of all who came to our circle. His love of humanity was infectious.  He touched thousands upon thousands of lives. <br /><br />-Join us in honoring Denver’s only Capitan of Aztec dance <br /><br />Raul Chavez Portillo, the only Aztec danzante in Colorado to carry the title of Capitan from the jefe’s in Mexcio, will be honored on May 19th as hundreds gather to pay tribute to this cultural icon. Traditional Mexcia danzantes from throughout the U.S. and Mexcio will dance in  full regalia as they converge on Crown Hill Mortuary at 21st &amp; Wadsworth in Lakewood at 2:30 for what can only be described “a ceremony of color, music, flowers, and dance”, stated Chavez’s granddaughter Xochitl Chavez.   <br /><br />Chavez was born on 02/29/1952 in Mazatlan Mexico into a family of Mexica Aztec danzantes and healers. He was given the name of Tlaloc at the age of five by his grandfather, in order to preserve the traditions of his ancestors. He spent his formative years studying and perfecting his knowledge and skills. He immigrated to Colorado in 1969 as was instrumental in helping local Chicano youth establish a danzante group in the 1980’s under his family name Tlalloc.<br /><br />Currently his family group Huitzilopochtli has been growing strong over the past 30 years. Made up of families from Mexico and Colorado, the multi faceted grupo promotes diversity and inclusion, just as Chavez did during his life time. <br /><br />Debora Montoya director of Danza Colorsaztlan, who danced with Chavez for several decades said, “ Raul carried the memory of Cuahtemoctzin to save and keep our traditions until our sun would rise again.Raul carried the memory of the Tezcatlipoca, our scholars, our priests, our scientists and mathematicians who left instruction in accordance with Cuahtemoc  and they placed our sacred things, customs and rituals and our cultural existence in the hands of the Conchero.<br /><br /> Raul brought forth all that had been saved back to the original tradition and rebirth of the Danza Mexica, the Aztec warrior, who now are charged with protecting and maintaining these same traditions as well as share them.  We have our memories in tact, our traditions in tact because of this 530 year continuum that Raul, in our time, brought to fruition here in the Denver community <br /><br />Raul carried a lineage, generations old.  He carried a Capitania from his own ancestors, grandparents and elders in Mexico. Chicanos do not carry the tradition of Capitania.  He carried this solely and all of us stand on his shoulders.   Tlazocamati Compadre, tlazocamati brother! May we each carry this palabra with the grace, love, humility and kindness that you showed to us!”<br /><br />In 2012 Chavez was honored by the Auraria campus Latinx Leadership Summit for his lifetime contributions here in Colorado. In 2013 Chavez was the Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver, Male Leadership recipient.In 2016 the Denver’s Mayors Awards for Excellence in the Arts honored Chavez’s’ group Huitzilopochtli with the 2016  ARTS &amp; CULTURE IMPACT AWARD. He was instrumental in bridging the gap between Mexican youth and Chicano/Colorado youth, demonstrating for the past 40 years how the arts can heal through cultural inclusivity and respect for one another.<br /><br />Recently Chavez, after years of searching for a permanent home to practice,  relocated his dance troupe to Lakewood United Methodist Church in the 40 West Arts Dist. He followed long-time partners Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, Fiesta Colorado  and the Pirate Art Gallery here to help establish a Latinx presence in the neighborhood. <br /><br />He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, inclusivity and kindness. His services take place on Thurs. May 19th and are open to the public.<br /><br />Raul Chavez Celebration of Life May 19, 2022<br /><br />Latina Funeral 3020 Federal Blvd. <br />9:00 AM to 2:00 PM<br />Viewing 9 am-11 am<br />Funeral Service  at 11:30 am<br />Danzantes Tribute 12:30 pm -2 pm <br /><br />Graveside Service Crown Hill Cemetery 2:30 pm <br />7777 W. 29th Ave.<br />Wheat Ridge, CO 80215<br /><br /> <br /><br />For more information contact [email redacted]<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://denverite.com/2022/05/11/raul-chavez-portillo-who-elevated-aztec-dance-in-denver-has-died/"> <a href="https://denverite.com/2022/05/11/raul-chavez-portillo-who-elevated-aztec-dance-in-denver-has-died/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://denverite.com/2022/05/11/raul-chavez-portillo-who-elevated-aztec-dance-in-denver-has-died/</a></a><br /><br /><br />Raul's services are being held at  Latina Funerals Home   3020 Federal Blvd., at the corner of Speer and Federal Blvd on Thursday, May 19th, 2022      <a href="https://www.latinacares.com/obituary/Raul-ChavezPortillo" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.latinacares.com/obituary/Raul-ChavezPortillo</a><br /><br />May 19, 2022<br /><br />Latina Funeral  3020 Federal Blvd. <br />9:00 AM to 2:00 PM<br />Viewing  9 am-11 am<br />Funeral Service Mass at 11:30 am<br />Danzantes Tribute 12:30 pm -2 pm<br /><br />Graveside Service Crown Hill Cemetary  2:30 pm <br />7777 W. 29th Ave.<br />Wheat Ridge, CO 80215<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />
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Raul Chavez Memorial Fund

<div>Eric Perez Memorial Services <br /><br />Wed. May 11th, 2022<br />Viewing/Rosary<br />Romero Funeral Home<br />4750 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211<br />Viewing 5:00 pm-8:00 pm with Rosary @ 6pm <br /><br />Thurs. May 12th, 2022<br />Church Services<br />Most Precious Blood Catholic Church<br />3959 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210<br />Viewing      9:30 am -10:30 am<br />Mass           10:30 am – 11:30 am<br />Reception   12 noon-2 :00 pm<br /><br />Eric Perez was born on the 27th of February, 1996, and passed away on April 24th, 2022. He is survived by his mother, his granny, uncle, aunt, his brother and son, Gina Perez, Patricia Perez, Bobby Perez, Johnny Perez, and Jojo. Eric was preceded in death by his grandpa Pa and Aunt, Robert D. Perez, and Nelly Perez.<br /><br />Eric completed his Bachelor’s degree at MSU Denver in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Chicano Studies in the Spring of 2021. During this time he worked for 6 years with the Journey Through Our Heritage program as a youth mentor and community leader. He was also an intern at History Colorado and Conservation Colorado. Eric eventually became the President of the JTOH program. Eric’s pride was in his schools and students, and he shared his passion for life and learning with hundreds of students. <br /><br />The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Eric. He loved spending an evening with his friends and dog, good food in hand. During school breaks, Eric often would prioritize time with his friends and family, going to movies, walking his dog, Jojo, and having deep conversations. He had an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily activities. <br /><br /><br /><br />Eric Perez was the first in his family to graduate college.  He was a valuable member of the MSU Denver Journey Through Our Heritage team for six years and was an amazing mentor to his students.  He won many awards from the university and the community for his outstanding student leadership and the work he did in the community. He overcame tremendous odds and sadly, he succumbed to the opioid epidemic that has taken too many of our youth.  Please help us raise funds for his family to have a decent memorial service for him.  All donations will go directly to his grandma Pat Perez and his mom Gina.<br /><br />In addition, the Chicano Humanities Arts Council, CFAC, and MSU Denver Chicana/o Studies JTOH program will dedicate the La Alma Jaguar Club Summer program in Eric's memory, a program that was near and dear to his heart. <br /> <br />Below is a letter we submitted on Eric's behalf in 2021. He was all this and so much more. <br /><br />Journey Through Our Heritage<br />MSU Denver-Department of Chicana/o Studies<br />Phone: [phone redacted]   Cell: [phone redacted] <br />E-mail: [email redacted] <br /><br />Feb. 15, 2021 <br /><br />Dear Student Awards Committee <br /><br />I am writing to recommend Eric Perez for the MSU Denver Outstanding Service Award. <br /><br /> I am the director of the community activist outreach program Journey Through Our Heritage (JTOH) under the Chicana/o Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver). We partner MSU Denver JTOH university students with local high school students who are from at-risk populations. It is our hope that our mentors who are also from at-risk communities can encourage other youth to take active roles as community leaders, engage in service-learning projects and consider furthering their education after high school. <br /><br />Eric Perez enrolled in 2014 as a freshman at MSU Denver to better himself and his family. He is a first-generation college student who grew up on the South Side of Denver. His family history is fraught with the same issues that plague many of our young Latinx males; gang violence, jail, criminal issues, and poverty. He enrolled in college to break this cycle.<br /><br />Eric mentored at one of the most difficult schools we have ever served. Ace Community Challenge was a school where all of the students enrolled were court-ordered to attend. Because of his background, Eric was able to relate to these students. When Eric was forced, due to family issues to drop out of college in the spring of 2017, he arranged his work schedule at his off-campus job to ensure he was still able to work with his students.  <br /><br />This dedication speaks volumes of Eric. In his desire to help those who are marginalized he has become a campus /community leader. He has taken on the responsibility of officer for several MSU Denver Student Orgs., interned with Conservation Colorado as a Promotorx, developed programming, managed office duties, researched and written numerous grants, solicited community partnerships, helped run a summer camp leadership program at La Alma Rec., and managed dozens of other projects. He was also a History Colorado intern and pushed to create a  collection of Rita Wallace de Flores , one of Colorado's foremost Mexican Folklorists. If not for him, her collection would have been forgotten. <br /><br />He is adaptable, organized and readily learns new skills. He possesses integrity, a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to bettering our communities by championing diversity and inclusion. In all my years of directing the JTOH program, I have not met a more deserving student.<br /><br /><br />With Regards, <br /><br />Dr. Renee Fajardo<br /><br />MSU Denver Journey Through Our Heritage Director<br /><br />
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Eric Perez Memorial Fund

<div>With tremendous sorrow we regret to inform our community that Our Beloved Stevon Lucero has passed beyond this world. On November 28, 2021 he embarked on his next Great Adventure... We know he is marveling at the magnificent eternity before him!
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<div>A Celebration of Stevon's Amazing Life and Work will be forthcoming. We will let everyone know once the plans are finalized. In the meantime, hold him in your hearts and know that he surrounds us with his love, in every stroke of paint on every single painting. Always.
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<div>If you would like to contribute to help family with funeral expenses, your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
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<div>If you wish to contribute through means other than this fundraiser, please contact Josh Lucero via the Organizer Contact button below.
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Stevon Lucero funeral and tribute expense fund

<p>My friend Bianca, a long time member of the Romero Theater Troupe, can finally return to her home village after 17 years apart from her family.  She needs our help in raising enough to cover her airfare, rent, and other living expenses for three months in the land of her ancestors.  Bianca has not seen her mother, grandparents, or siblings, since she crossed the border alone at the age of 15.  Please consider donating to reunite this familia.  
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Renee Fajardo

Renee Fajardo

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Tony’s Legacy and Supporting Family In This Difficult Time

Cameron Jesse & Joanna Lucero Manito Scholarship

Lucille Ruibal Rivera

In Loving Memory of Calvin Ford

Raul Chavez Memorial Fund

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