John "Johnny" Gutierrez

March 29, 1942 - July 7, 2013 John “Johnny” Gutierrez, 71, of Erie, Co. passed away Sunday, July 7 with his family by his side. He was born March 29, 1942 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Eido and Mary (Garcia) Gutierrez. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Dolores Gutierrez, his sisters Lily (Frank) Pacheco, Theresa (Bill) Clarity, Viola (Rick) Waller, Rita Duvall, and Mary Ellen Archuleta, and his brother David Gutierrez. John is also survived by his son Christopher John (Mary) and three grandchildren Sierra Melick, Spencer Hobson-Gutierrez, and Lindsey Gutierrez. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Christened "PeePaw" by his grandson, John had a great love and affection for his family. Following a childhood in New Mexico, John served two years as an active member of US Army and six years in the reserves. He was stationed in Viet Nam and in Fort Campbell, KY. He went to school on the GI Bill to train as an electrician, and was subsequently recruited by the US Postal Service for mail delivery. After 37 years of employment as a postal worker, John retired in 2003. John lived an active life filled with commitments to family, church, music, and fitness. He was a member of St. Scholastica church for 47 years. Many of those years he devoted tireless energy to the churches' music program. Music was a longstanding passion in John's life. In addition to church music, John was a band member in John and the Vibratones and La Machina, playing guitar and vocals. He loved fitness and health and was a member of the Erie Community Center since its opening. Many in Erie will recall John on walks with his side kick and canine companion, Duchess. John was ever a patriot and belonged to American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. John will be remembered as a self-reliant man of the highest integrity who had a deep love for his wife and family, and a love of God, church, music, and his country. He was loved in return and will be forever missed. Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Scholastica Catholic Church, 615 Main St. Erie, Colorado. Rev. Hernan Florez will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in the Erie Cemetery. Rosary service will be held Sunday evening at 7:00pm at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Malesich and Shirey Funeral Home of Arvada.