Ross Joseph Passarelli

Ross Joseph Passarelli, 96, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026. He was born on April 29, 1930, in Salida, Colorado, to the late Ralph Passarelli and Elizabeth Mazzula.

Ross spent his long and meaningful life building a legacy of hard work, genuine kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family. He spent his early years on top of Tennessee Pass, attending a one-room schoolhouse until his family moved to the town of Salida during his high school years, where he graduated in 1948. After high school, he proudly served his country by spending four years in the United States Navy stationed in Guam during the Korean War. Following his military service, Ross moved back to Arvada, where he lived for the last 68 years, and dedicated his career to the United States Postal Service. He started out as a hardworking letter carrier—sometimes working two or three jobs to support his family—and eventually retired as a respected station manager.

An adventurer at heart, Ross loved to travel, often by way of bicycle. He famously rode his bike through Europe with a friend after leaving the Navy, went on to explore the hills and flats of Europe with his wife, Carol, and continued to ride until he finally hung up his three-wheeled e-bike at the age of 92. In addition to their cycling adventures, Ross and Carol enjoyed many notable trips in their retirement, including taking their entire family to Italy to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were also avid golfers, bridge players, and seekers of good food around the world. Closer to home, Ross was deeply passionate about fly fishing, cooking wonderful meals for those he loved, and growing world-class tomatoes in his perfectly manicured backyard garden. While Ross excelled at these hobbies, he most loved his family, creating countless memories of camping adventures, rafting trips, family ski trips, and a variety of adventures in the Colorado mountains. Above all, he is remembered for being exceptionally generous and kind.

He is survived by his children, Elisa Passarelli, Janice Milinovich (John), Doug Passarelli (Helen), and Rosalie Hatfield; and his cherished grandson, Ian Passarelli, and granddaughter Tiffany Nunn. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol; his sister, Mary; and his parents, Ralph and Elizabeth. Ross will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery alongside his devoted wife, Carol, on June 23rd 2026.