Mario Modesto Guttierrez, 41, passed away Feb. 27, 2024, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo., surrounded by his sister and two brothers. Born the second baby boy to Mike and Joya Guttierrez on July 5, 1982, in Monte Vista, Mario was the definition of a “momma’s boy.”
His “Uncle Peck” always remembers Mario being able to update everyone on the current stats for all of the sports teams and always tending to his youngest brother Marty when they would go on their bike rides.
Mario was known for having a kind gentle spirit by his teachers and full of life and extremely loved by classmates. Everyone always knew that when they saw Michael, Mario was not too far behind. Just like all the other Guttierrez kids, Mario was known by some of his many nicknames such as OD, Podge, Mariacho, #2, and a few others that might not be appropriate for a newspaper.
In 2001, Mario graduated from Monte Vista High School, packed all of his belongings and moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he found his passion for cooking. Side note, Mario’s love language was cooking up a big meal (preferably Spaghetti) or having a BBQ with friends and family any chance he was able to. He spent several years working for UPS and later moved on to managing a Subway.
In 2020, Mario moved back to Monte Vista to spend time with family. He had a passion for helping others and always wanted to make his family proud. Within the last two years of his life, Mario was living in Boulder, Colo., where he was working on bettering himself. Although life became hard and he struggled to find peace, Mario was able to make his siblings proud by accomplishing a huge goal of sobriety.
Losing Mario is a heartbreak that will never mend but knowing that he was able to help three other individuals to gain new life is something that we will always hold close to our hearts.
Mario was survived by his three siblings Michael (Erica) Guttierrez of Alamosa, Nick (Hailey) Guttierrez of Phoenix, Ariz., and Rachael (Lucus) Torres of Monte Vista; Sister in law Christy Whiteside; Grandmother Martha Salazar of Monte Vista; Paternal Uncles Tom (Kathy) Guttierrez of Greeley, Phil (Bernie) Guttierrez of California, Pat (Bernice) Guttierrez of Monte Vista, Rose (Andy) Sanchez of Arizona; Maternal aunt and uncle Joey Salazar of New Mexico and Josette (Louie) Borrego of New Mexico; “Uncle Peck” Bob Martinez of Monte Vista; nieces and nephews Sierra Whitaker, Mia Guttierrez, Karsynn, Maverick and Declan Torres, Henley Guttierrez and Harper Porrello; Modesto, Mari, and Madison Guttierrez, several cousins and many friends.
Mario was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Joya Guttierrez, Brother Marty Guttierrez, Grandparents Juanita and Claude Guttierrez and Modesto Salazar, three Uncles Jan and Jerry Salazar and Claude Jr Guttierrez, Aunt Jessica Simmons.
A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista, Colo., on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. also at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. Burial of ashes will follow at the Rock Creek Cemetery.
The family is requesting any monetary donations be sent to Romero Funeral Home or contact Michael Guttierrez.
Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa is in care of arrangements.
