Gary Guy Moretti
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - December 6, 2020
Gary Guy Moretti
October 2, 1949 - November 23, 2020
Gary Guy Moretti, 71, died
Monday, November 23, at the
HopeWest Hospice Care Center
with his wife of 50 years by his
side.
Gary was born in Fort Dodge,
Iowa to Robert Moretti and
Doris (Moretti) Tool. His family
moved to San Diego, California
where he met and married his
high school sweetheart, Bonnie
Lee Holt. Soon after, Gary joined the United States Air Force on
the buddy system with his best friend, John McGreevy, believing
they would have the same duty assignments. Gary was stationed in
Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Athens, Greece, while John was stationed
in Las Vegas and Thailand. Even though the miles separated them,
they remained the best of friends throughout their lives.
After serving four years in the Air Force, Gary and Bonnie
moved back to San Diego. Tiring of big city life, they later relocated
to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he began his career in criminal
justice. He was a key figure in the local community corrections
program that was ranked as one of the most successful in Colorado.
He started one of the first pretrial programs in the nation, which
helped to advance pretrial services nationwide. Gary dedicated
more than 15 years to the Colorado Community Corrections
Coalition, furthering criminal justice across the state and serving as
treasurer for nearly ten years. He developed numerous professional
relationships throughout Colorado consulting with several other
programs. Gary was a board member and board president for
Caprock Behavioral Services, a local nonprofit agency. He was
a close advisor to the executive director and was instrumental in
helping the nonprofit double in size.
Having achieved respect, admiration and professional success,
Gary was most proud of his family. As his four children grew, they
too began to possess many of his strengths. At the end of his life,
he realized that everything he accomplished was now a part of his
children, which gave him great joy and comfort.
Watching his grandsons play football was one of his favorite
pastimes. He loved to surprise his grandchildren bringing a special
treat each time he visited. Gary enjoyed fishing on the Grand Mesa
and at Lake Powell often helping his kids and grandkids learn to
fish instead of catching the big ones himself.
His battle with medical issues later in life showed his strength,
courage, and determination. At his journey’s end, Gary expressed
his profound love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also
wanted his friends to know how much he cared for them. Gary
was fiercely loyal and will be remembered for his generosity and
his hospitality - regularly hosting his friends and family for his
homemade Italian meals. He will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Moretti; mother,
Doris Tool; step-father, Darrell Tool; brother, Larry Moretti;
sister, Cheryl Tool; aunt, Viola Derrig, and uncle, Francis Derrig.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Moretti; sons, Matthew Moretti;
Robert Moretti, and Gary Moretti; daughter, Danielle Moretti
Martin (Robert Martin); grandsons, Jacob Moretti, Kyle Moretti,
Andrew Moretti, and Tyler Martin; granddaughter, Mya Moretti
Martin, and brothers, Randy Moretti and Terry Tool.
A memorial celebration will be held when it is safe to gather
again with family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made
to HopeWest, 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506
or American Lutheran Church 631 26 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction,
