Lawrence ‘Patsy’ Ungaro, Jr.

Lawrence ‘Patsy’ Ungaro, Jr.

Aug. 16, 1924 — Jan. 15, 2008

SOMERSET — Lawrence “Patsy” Ungaro was born on Aug. 16, 1924 to Lawrence Sr. and Emelia Ungaro in Somerset, Colo. He married Billie Marie Spor on May 21, 1949 in Delta, Colo. They had the privilege of sharing 58 years of marriage.  

Patsy was a highly decorated veteran of WWII. He served in the Naval Sea Bees both in Iwo Jima and Nagasaki. After the war he returned to Somerset and worked on building Crawford and Paonia Dams. He later began a long career in coal mining. The U.M.W.A. honored him, his father, and brothers for having the most years in union mining for one family in the United States. Patsy was an avid fly fisherman and dart player. He was known throughout the community for his kind heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.  

He is survived by his wife, Billie Marie Ungaro, of Somerset, Colo.; four children: Myrna Ungaro of Somerset, Colo., Lawrence Ungaro and wife Amrei, Eric Ungaro and David Ungaro and wife Debi, all of Grand Junction, Colo.; 10 grandchildren: Alisha James and husband Don of Grand Junction, John Ungaro, Shay Ungaro, Davon Ungaro, Danae Ungaro, Dasmyn Ungaro, Ashley Ungaro, Preston Ungaro and Amelia Ungaro; two great- grandchildren: Cassidy Husted and Clancy James. He is also survived by his brothers: Roxie Ungaro, Tommy Ungaro and wife Jan; his sisters: Ann Todd and husband Everet, Rose Payne, Mary Ungaro and Madeline Pierce and husband David.  

Patsy was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Emilia Ungaro; two brothers, Tony and Louie Ungaro; and a sister, Phyllis Colette.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at Bible Center Church in Paonia, Colo. at 2 p.m. Visitation for family and friends was held on Friday evening, Jan. 18, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the church and will also be held one hour before the service.  Interment will follow with military honors at the Somerset Cemetery.  

Visit our Web site, sign the online register and send condolences to his family at. Arrangements are being handled under the direction, care and have been entrusted to Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO  81401  (970) 240-9870.