Robson
July 25, 1921 – November 22, 2020
Betty Robson, former longtime Routt County resident, died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at The Commons at Hilltop in Grand Junction. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 28, 2020 at The Bethel Assembly of God Church in Grand Junction. Interment will take place at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, November 29, 2020 in Hayden Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International in care of Grant Mortuary.
November 6, 1917 – October 17, 2020
Ms. Vera Frisch, age 102, of Atlanta via Key Biscayne, FL and Steamboat Springs, CO, died from COVID-19 on Saturday, October 17, 2020, just days shy of her 103rd birthday. Born November 6, 1917, she was an avid skier, golfer, and world traveler in her prime. She was tough, almost surviving two global pandemics. While she demanded much of others and pulled no punches, she loved and was generous to the persons and causes about which she cared deeply. Her mind and memory remained sharp until recently. She is survived by her niece, Laurie Frisch Hartke, her granddaughter, Amy Harden-Orlow, and her grandson, Shepard Orlow, and his family. Any donations may be made in her name to Hadassah International. Arrangements in Atlanta by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Josefina Sotomayor
August 27, 1925 – November 19, 2020
Craig resident (formerly of New Jersey), Josefina Sotomayor passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Sandrock Ridge Care Center. She was 95. A celebration of Josefina’s life will be held at a later date. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sandrock Ridge for the excellent care they provided to their mother.
October 21, 1934 – March 22, 2020
On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Andrew G. Echery, loving father, passed away surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 85.
Andrew was born in Budapest, Hungary on October 21, 1934. Andrew was a nationally ranked table tennis player in his younger years. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Andrew was able to escape Budapest and was smuggled across the Hungarian border into Austria. Through the help of Catholic Charities he received refugee status with access to the United States, ending up in Philadelphia, PA. Andrew studied diligently to learn English while working as a janitor at a local hospital. He later earned a scholarship to attend Saint Joseph’s University where he graduated in 1961 with a degree in Mathematics, while continuing to score National Table Tennis titles. Andrew worked as an Electrical Engineer for Leeds and Northrup/Metso for his entire career, which allowed him to travel throughout the United States and internationally — including stints in Israel, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, India, and China.
During work in Omaha, NE, he met his wife Paula Marie Peek and they were married in 1969. In the early 70’s, a project at the Hayden Power Plant brought Andrew and Paula to Steamboat Springs where they decided to settle down to raise a family and later build a home.
Andrew enjoyed international travel and encouraged wanderlust — making family travel a priority. He was a man of the world. He did not focus on material things, but rather the importance of sharing knowledge, experiences and building memories.
Andrew’s generosity, contagious laugh, incredible persistence, stubbornness, and ability to fix or build just about anything will be missed. Andrew was respected and admired greatly by those who knew him. He was the picture of health, strength and positivity.
When he wasn’t traveling, Andrew could often be found skiing laps on sunny days on his favorite run Rainbow, briskly walking at Spring Creek or the Yampa River Trail, or soaking at the Old Town Hot Springs in his Speedo.
Andrew is survived by his three children, Alexandra C. Echery of Oakland, CA, Michael A. Echery of Louisville, CO., Brandy M. Echery of Denver, CO., his grandson Asher Andrew Echery, his life-partner of 24 years, Sally Lehmann of Marlboro, NY and his ex-wife and forever friend, Paula M. Echery-Elsberry of Castle Rock, CO.
October 30, 2020
Steamboat Springs’ art community has been shaken by the loss of one of the most talented, driven, unpredictable, deliciously amusing artists to call Steamboat home. Susan Schiesser was one of Steamboat’s most colorful and vibrant artists, mentor and inspiration to uncountable artists, and loving friend. She died October 30, 2020 surrounded by her family and friends in her home away from home, Kauai, Hawaii.
Susan helped transform the art scene in Routt County with her own brand of contemporary art that was authentic to the places and subjects she loved. She perfected the drip, swirl and sparkle techniques in her work that grace the walls of collectors worldwide. Susan won the Mango Princess Award for ‘Best of Show’ from the Kauai Society of Artists, was chosen as Steamboat’s ‘Best in the ‘Boat’ Artist’ and had work represented in galleries from Colorado to Hawaii, Nevada, California and Key Largo. Overseas, her work was exhibited in Switzerland and Germany.
She was a leader of change and fierce advocate of the arts in rural Colorado and beyond. Her relationship with the art community in Steamboat Springs began in 1999 with the Steamboat Springs Arts Council’s Small Works Gallery, followed by Artlink and Art Thursdays which involved a touring city bus, video and TV content, art-of-beer brewery tour. She ran three galleries and, alongside Pat Walsh and Jim Cook, has continually worked to provide a platform for established and emerging artists. She collaborated with anyone she found talented and passionate, no matter their age or experience.
Outside of her art, Susan loved yoga, dance, family, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, shooting skeet, skiing, travel and mindfulness. Perhaps the greatest loves of her life were her dogs, who were spoiled beyond belief and had healthier diets than most people.
Susan will always be the sparkle that dances on the ocean under the full moon.
Susan is survived by two sisters, Mary Ann Nordwall and Carol Martin, a host of loving friends and her loyal and devoted companion, Ken Manley.
Donations can be made in her memory to the Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s Susan Schiesser Memorial Fund. Donations will be put towards a sculpture of her work, titled, ‘She Walks on Water’ that will live permanently in the Yampa Valley. Please contact dagny@steamboatcreates.org for more information.
March 10, 2001 – November 3, 2020
Caroline Mary Lupori died on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 skiing in the backcountry near Bozeman, Montana at only 19 years of age. Born on March 10, 2001 in Steamboat Springs to parents John and Susan Lupori, Caroline was the youngest of the Lupori family. She was well known and adored throughout the Steamboat Springs community. In her short time there, Caroline made a measurable and positive impact on the Bozeman community as well.
Caroline was a special soul who did all she could to ensure those around her were happy. She inspired so many to have fun enjoying all the adventures the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Ocean have to offer. Caroline spent many blessed days of her short life skiing, scuba diving, and surfing with family and friends. She was a good person who wished people happiness; she purposefully chose to positively impact others. Caroline’s unique and passionate personality created and spread true joy. She touched the lives of so many; our beloved, shining, happy girl, the light of our lives and the star of our hearts and leaves us smiling through our tears. She was joy personified.
Caroline is survived by her heartbroken parents, John and Susan Lupori; her brother, Jack and sister, Ellese; her bonus mom Michelle Raz and bonus siblings Hunter, Kenzie, and Colter Gansmann; her paternal grandparents, Richard and Terry Lupori; her aunt, Liz Lupori and uncles, Mark, Dean, and Scott Lupori; and countless friends.
Mass will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church in Steamboat Springs on Monday, November 9th, 2020. It will begin with a fireside gathering with music and candles at 5:00 p.m. and proceed inside at 5:30 p.m. for the service. There will be a live video stream of the service for those who cannot attend in person on the Holy Name Catholic Church YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/holynamecatholicchurch. Caroline’s family will scatter her remains in the Pacific Ocean where a part of her golden spirit will always be.
The Lupori Family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community. The Lupori Family has established a fund to honor the legacy of Caroline’s full life of commitment to adventure and learning with the goal of helping others reach their dreams. Contributions may be made through the Yampa Valley Community Foundation at yvcf.org/Caroline-Lupori.
January 15, 1938 – October 30, 2020
David M Goldberg, Sr. passed away on Friday October 30th, 2020 from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. At the time of his death, David and his wife Sandra were living in Denver, Colorado. David was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 15th, 1938. In 1951, David moved to Washington D.C., graduating from Anacostia High School in 1956. David earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from George Washington University in 1962. David’s career spanned 35 years including work as a chemist for the American Chemical Society in Washington DC, an administrator at the University of Virginia Chemistry Department in Charlottesville VA and as chemical warfare analyst for several US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and DIA. In 1989, David served as a special liaison for the Office of the Secretary Defense at the Pentagon. One of David’s most significant career accomplishments was a special assignment with the United Nation’s Special Commission to inspect Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction capabilities. traveling multiple times to Iraq to inspect potential WMD sites following the first Gulf War.. David’s final assignment was a branch chief working for the US Army National Ground Intelligence Center in Charlottesville, VA. In 1996, David retired from the federal government finally settling in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In Steamboat, David was an active member of the Yampa Valley Singers and the Colorado Democratic Party. David is survived by wife Sandra, his son’s David Jr and Daniel, his four grandchildren, Kailee, Garrett, Mason and Hayden and his brother Richard Goldberg. He will be dearly missed.
June 2, 1923 – October 27, 2020
Helen June Iacovetto, a long time Yampa Valley resident, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 27th. She was 97 years old. Helen was born in Lafayette, CO to Charlie and Katie Comack who migrated from the Ukraine in the early 1900’s. Helen and family moved to Oak Creek at age 10. She was the youngest of 6 children.
On August 2nd 1942, at age 19, Helen married the love of her life, Angelo Iacovetto. They were married for 73 years. Together they had 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys.
Helen was very active in life and her community. She played accordion in the family band, was president, secretary and treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary in the 1960’s. She also drove the “school bus”, a 4 door 1930’s Model A Ford for the school children of Haybro, CO. In 1949 Helen and Angelo purchased Dream Island and established one of Steamboat’s first vacation resorts. After 22 years raising their family at Dream Island, they retired and built their home at Pearl Lake.
Helen’s and Angelo’s home was always open. Friends stopping by would often find Helen cooking delicious Italian food or baking bread in her outdoor oven. She loved to crochet gifts for loved ones and help her husband tend the garden. They were well known for their outstanding garlic. Helen also received grand champion at the county fair for her ceramics and served as grand marshall in the Forth of July parade.
Helen will always be remembered for her hard work, peaceful demeanor, and devotion to family. She had 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren all of whom are still living. She is preceded in death by her Husband Angelo, daughter Dorina and daughter Marlene. Helen is survived by her son Wayne (Luanna) Iacovetto, son Gordon (Patti) Iacovetto, and daughter Judy Campus.
Please join the family in honoring the life of Helen Iacovetto at Holy Name Catholic Church in Steamboat Springs this Thursday, November 5th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of her favorite organizations, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
DeCosta
February 6, 1948 – October 30, 2020
Douglas David DeCosta, long-time resident of Yampa, Colorado, died at the age of 72 on October 30th after a short battle with medical complications triggered by COVID-19.
Doug was born in Oakland, California, and grew up in small-town Orinda, attending Miramonte High School through his junior year. In 1965, the DeCosta family moved to Pebble Beach, where Doug graduated from Pacific Grove High School in 1966. At both schools, he was active in football, baseball, and basketball. After high school, Doug spent time at San Jose State, UCLA, and UC Berkley before traveling the country, finally landing in Colorado where he met his wife, Claudia. Doug and Claudia were married in January of 1977 and purchased a small ranch just south of Yampa in the spring of the same year. The DeCosta Ranch is a well-established part of South Routt County, raising hay, cattle, and nearly every other type of livestock at one time or another over the last four decades. Truly, Doug loved every inch of the nearly 100 acres of his ranch and leaves a prosperous and well-cared-for patchwork of meadows, corrals, and barns behind.
In 1985, Doug started the Colorado Hay Company with Claudia as bookkeeper and office support. The company grew over the next several decades to ship hay all across the country to other ranches, high-profile racetracks, pet food processors, and even an elephant sanctuary here and there. Doug also co-founded the Colorado Hay and Forage Association and served as President from 1988-1994, earning him recognition from his peers and cementing him as a leader in the field across the country. He was also an active member of the National Hay Association. Never retiring, Doug continued to enjoy traveling across Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, looking at haystacks and “shooting the breeze”. There was never a time in the last 35 years that his truck bed did not hold at least one sample bale or cardboard box of hay.
Doug’s other long-time passion was music. He played the guitar skillfully and had a beautiful singing voice. He entertained friends and family every chance that he could, often just singing around a campfire. Doug’s love of music and his Christian faith frequently intertwined. He led worship services in several area churches over the years, even producing a few recordings that his family treasures to this day. Doug and his band, the Green Ridge Ramblers, were a fixture for years at Yampa’s annual Fourth of July celebration and again in the fall at Oak Creek’s Labor Day festivities. His lively performances will be sincerely missed.
Doug will be forever remembered by his wife of 43 years, Claudia; his children Lea, Annie, and Johnny (Samantha); sisters Jorene (Chris) and Bev (Chan); grandson David and granddaughter Dottie Jean; niece Christi (Eric) and nephews Dusty and Scott (Misty); great-niece Jade and great-nephews Mark, Beau, Logan, and Mason. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Irene, son Danny, and son-in-law Charley.
At this time, no services are being planned until it is safer to travel and gather. A tentative celebration of Doug’s life will be scheduled in Yampa in July.
The DeCosta family wishes to extend a sincere thanks to the all the medical personnel, both locally and in Ft. Collins, who worked diligently and compassionately to treat Doug.
June 2, 1923 – October 27, 2020
Helen Iacovetto, 97, passed away in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on October, 27, 2020. A Memorial Mass service will be held Thursday, November 5 at 2:00 P.M. at Holy Name Catholic Church. Arrangements provided by the Yampa Valley Funeral Home.