Donald M. Pachello

Donald M. Pachello, age 94, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on the evening of September 22, 2026.

Don was born on March 4, 1932, to Jerry and Bethna Pachello on his family’s farm in Arvada. He was the first in his family to graduate from Arvada High School in 1950. Don proudly served in the United States Army in 1951, during the Korean Conflict, as a tank mechanic at Fort Richardson, Alaska, until his honorable discharge in 1953. After his military service, Don returned to Arvada, where he met the love of his life, Jolene (Jody). They were married on June 27, 1959, and shared 67 wonderful years together. Don and Jody built their home where they would raise their three children, creating a lifetime of memories.

Don worked as a welder and pipe fitter for Public Service Company, now Xcel Energy, beginning at age 21 and continuing until his retirement in 1992. But retirement never meant sitting still for Don. He would often be found in his garage, smoking a cigar or chewing a plug of tobacco while working on cars, a hobby that also became a side business. Tune-ups, brake jobs, carburetors, clutches, engine rebuilds, or whatever else needed fixing could be found on his workbench. Don believed firmly that “a job worth doing is a job worth doing well.” He instilled a strong work ethic, morals, and values in his family and often joked that he could fix anything—except a broken heart.

Don was also very involved in racing at Lakeside Speedway, where he was a member of the pit crew for his brother John’s racing team. He served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Automobile Racing Club and was later elected as both Secretary and President. In later years, Don and Jody discovered another passion, line dancing. They became members of the American Legion and Elks Lodge and spent many Friday nights dancing and making memories with the many dear friends they met along the way.

Above all else, Don’s greatest joy was his family. He treasured the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering integrity, strong work ethic, gentle manner, and deep love for his family. His smile, wisdom, and willingness to help others were gifts to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jolene (Jody) Pachello; daughter, Terri Haag (Paul); sons, Jerry Pachello (Denise) and Greg Pachello; and four grandchildren, Kellyn Haag, Kylie Keuten (Jory), Cheyenne Pachello, and Tyler Pachello. He is also survived by four siblings and many special nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Elevations Hospice and the nurses who cared for Don so compassionately and helped him through his final days. Don especially looked forward to seeing his nurses, Arden and Dora, whose kindness and care meant so much to him and his family.

Friends and family are invited to honor Don at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the reception room. Committal service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Don’s memory.