In Memoriam Archive

Thomas "Tommy" Thorpe '84 passed away on April 17, 2024.

"Growing up in Southeast Denver, Tommy spent his childhood on the baseball diamond, turning early Little League days (more reminiscent of the Bad News Bears than the Little League World Series) into a spark that continued at Regis High School, followed by a collegiate baseball career at Benedictine College, and a lifelong love of the game. After college, Tommy devoted himself to running the family business, Mountain Trade Supply, alongside his cousin, Diana Sweers. Despite the constant paperwork, Tommy's commitment to his employees and customers never faltered. Outside of work, Tommy found joy on the golf course, and at the end of a round could be seen with a cigar in one hand and an Irish whiskey in the other. Although he had many responsibilities, Tommy sought refuge at Bear Creek and any other course where he could escape for a few hours and enjoy the company of those he loved deeply. Tommy did not collect baseball cards, but he did collect and safeguard his friendships. He valued the friends he made through baseball, golf, and work, but perhaps his deepest friendships were with his cousins and his girlfriend, Carly Kirwin. Tommy's passing leaves an immense void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His enduring kindness, quick smile, and unwavering love for baseball, golf and above all family and friends will be cherished memories for all." Click here to view the full obituary. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 26 at 2:00 pm at Cherry Hills Country Club.

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Tommy's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

We are saddened to inform you that Cheri Gallegos, wife of Don '51, mother of Jerry '83 and David, and grandmother of Donald '04 and Nathan '10, passed away on April 8, 2024.

"Cheri was a woman for others, well known for her handwritten loving cards and care of those who were without means or a home. Her higher education, she would say, she learned “on the street”, as she took up the social work of the homeless alongside Father Woody. Following his passing, she made a commitment to carry on his work and founded with her husband, Father Woody’s Haven of Hope in 1991, now called Haven of Hope. Together Cheri and Don spent the second half of their lives helping to serve countless people, offering meals, support, a place to rest, and the opportunity to get back on their feet. She loved to host parties, Sunday family dinners, one-on-one conversations and cocktail hours. Two nights before she passed she and our father stayed up all night, playing music and having a “final final”. She has left a legacy of true love and home for many. She will be dearly missed by all." Click here to view the full obituary. 

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 with a Rosary at 10:30 am followed by services at 11:00 am at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Cheri's name to Haven of Hope.

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Cheri's soul and the consolation of her family and all those who loved her. May she rest in peace.

Benjamin Michael Pauka '21, brother of Clare '19, Douglas '21, Luke, Tim and Kathleen '27, passed away on March 29, 2024.

"When he was two years old, Ben moved with his family from Wilmette, Illinois, to the Village at Castle Pines, Colorado, where he enjoyed his years at DCS Montessori School and STEM Middle School. He spent his weekends at Breckenridge learning to ski through the trees and over black diamond moguls. Ben attended Regis Jesuit High School where he was a member of the Robotics and Speech & Debate Teams. Although he often slept when he should have been awake and was awake when he should have been sleeping, Ben was an intelligent, inquisitive, and devoted student who received excellent grades. But there was more to Ben than stellar academics. In his senior year, he received a Performing Arts award recognizing Ben as “one of the funniest and silliest performers that has ever crossed [Regis Jesuit’s] Z Theatre stage.” After graduating from Regis Jesuit in 2021, Ben enrolled at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where he received a scholarship to study computer engineering. Even with a challenging course load, Ben found time to participate in religious retreats with his fellow Zags, kayak and camp in Idaho, hike at Riverside State Park, perform in a dance recital during Family Weekend, enjoy laser tag with friends, and breathe in the quiet serenity of the Japanese Garden at Manito Park." Click here to view the full obituary.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 10 at St. Thomas More Church, 8035 S. Quebec St., Englewood, CO 80112, with Visitation starting at 10:00 am and Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Services will be followed by a reception at the church from 12:00-2:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Regis Jesuit High School, in memory of Ben Pauka, at www.regisjesuit.com/honor-and-memorial-giving. All donations in memory of Ben will go to support the Regis Jesuit Robotics program. 

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Ben's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Jay Weise, father of Reagan ’24 and Charlie ’26, passed away on March 26, 2024.

A GoFundMe has been created to help support the family in this difficult time as well as ease the burden of the educational expenses for the children. Click here to learn more about ways to support the family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 pm at Phillip S. Memorial Park Amphitheater in Castle Rock.
 
We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Jay's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Linda Massey, mother of Brian '97, also deceased, and Michael '99, passed away on February 21, 2024.

"Linda was born in Norman, Oklahoma in 1948 to Geraldine (Jed) and Col. Paul Fisher, Sr. She grew up in a military family, living all over the United States, as well as in Japan and Germany. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. After graduating, she began teaching in high schools, beginning in the Los Angeles area, then moving to Dallas, Texas. Later, Linda went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business from Southern Methodist University, and was one of the first women to graduate from the SMU School of Business. Her loving kindness and desire to help others positively affected many lives as she moved through her roles as schoolteacher, and as the first female Landman assisting in the oil and gas negotiations with several tribes for the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). One tribe was so thankful for her compassionate work that they made her an honorary tribe member during a beautiful ceremony. During her time with ARCO, she moved to Denver, Colorado, and after leaving the oil industry, she began her favorite job of her life in residential property appraisal. This eventually led to the creation of her own company, which she ran until she retired. Linda developed a competitive spirit in her early teens when she picked up her first tennis racket. Little did she know that tennis would become a major passion in her life. With her graceful form, powerful stroke and strong serve, she went on to compete at a high amateur level. She took great pride in her 4.5 and 5.0 ratings, as she maintained them over the years. While in Dallas, Texas, Linda met the man who would become the love of her life: Stanley Price Massey, Jr. They dated, and when she was transferred to Denver, Stan left his job in Dallas and followed Linda to Denver.  They were married in October 1973. Linda and Stan spent 50+ years together enjoying travel, friends, and the births and lives of their two sons, Brian and Michael." Click here to view the full obituary. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:00 am at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in memory of Linda to Regis Jesuit High School in support of the Brian Massey '97 Memorial Scholarship. 

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Linda's soul and the consolation of her family and all those who loved her. May she rest in peace.

Dennis Baumgartner '60, brother of Robert '56, also deceased, and father of David '94, John '99 and Andrew '06, passed away on January 8, 2024.

"Dennis married his beloved wife Joan Patricia (Kukral) Baumgartner on August 2, 1969. He worked as a dentist in a private practice and then in a clinic for the City and County of Denver. He was a dedicated man of faith and prioritized his family. He was an avid sports fan, especially when his children played basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis and later when his grandkids played football, baseball, and soccer or danced ballet. He enjoyed playing golf, cribbage, backgammon, and shooting pool, which he loved to teach the proper techniques to his children and grandchildren. He was a strong proponent of a balanced diet, which he insisted must always include semisweet chocolate chips and vitamin cocktails. He could always provide the latest commentary on any professional and college football team, including a “pessimistic optimism” for his home team, the Denver Broncos. He found joy in restoring and driving his 1969 Chevelle and always had a pun ready to make you laugh and think." Click here to view the full obituary.
 
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 29 from 10:00-11:00 am at Church of the Risen Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dennis to the Abbey of St. Walburga, 1029 Benedictine Way, Virginia Dale, CO 80536.

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Dennis' soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Frank Drobnick '82 passed away on December 24, 2023.

"Frank attended Guardian Angels and Sts. Peter & Paul grade schools and graduated from Regis H.S. in Denver in 1982. After graduation, Frank had a 30+ year career in sales working for Big A Auto Parts, Turf Irrigation, and United Green Mark. Frank loved life. His happy place was anywhere outdoors. He had a passion for hunting and fishing and was really good at both. He loved people and loved connecting with new and old friends whenever he could. He loved to cook and loved sharing his food with his neighbors and friends. One of his favorite food activities was jarring up his dill pickles using a family recipe given to him by his maternal grandfather. People loved his pickles." Click here to view the full obituary. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank's honor to Lutheran Medical Center Foundation ICU Department - 8300 W. 38th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Frank's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

James (Jim) Fattor '54, brother of Joe '56 and Mike '62, passed away on December 21, 2023.

"Jim was a poet at heart with an adventurous spirit, a fierce defender of the underdog, quick to laugh with his friends and family, a gentle soul drawn to the wonders of the world, and a remarkable man." Click here to view the full obituary. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 26 at 2:00 pm at Mt. Olivet Cemetery/Archdiocese of Denver Mortuary at 12801 W. 44 Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, with a reception following. Memorial donations may be made to organizations that support early childhood learning, helping people experience the outdoors or the Denver Rescue Mission. 

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Jim's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

John Cronan '69 passed away in December 2023.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Grant Avenue Community Center - Meeting Room.

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of John's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.