Obituary of Silvio Joseph Bonicelli

When Sil Bonicelli passed away on May 18, 2021 surrounded by his family, there was a flicker in the Force. He was fiercely independent while always embracing tradition and his Italian family values. Sil was born on March 18, 1950 and was a proud native of Colorado Springs, a graduate of Cheyenne Mountain High School and attended the University of Southern Colorado. He lived in the same neighborhood all his life. He was a child at heart, a renegade to most and a true friend to many. He never met a stranger and was without pretense even if that ruffled a few feathers. He was highly successful, yet so tight he squeaked. Everything was negotiable and yet no one was more generous to his friends and family.Sil's greatest loves were his girls, wife, and family. He met his beautiful and strait-laced wife, Joanne, through a bet, won her heart and was married in 1971. She was his rock and confidant for more than fifty years. Sil was filled with adventure and had a deep passion and appreciation for the outdoors. He was frequently found on the golf course with friends or hanging poolside in Arizona. He loved taking family trips to the mountains to camp, fish, ride horses and ATV's. He usually spent more time untangling fishing lines for his girls than fishing himself. He looked forward to his annual hunting trips to the Flattops every fall for more than forty years with his brothers and dear friends. The mountains were his happy place, and the ways of the Old West were his preferred rugged style.Sil spent his career in a multigenerational family business working alongside his beloved parents, brothers, cousins, and nephew. Every day was perceived as an adventure that he eagerly looked forward to. Sil is survived by his loving wife and valued partner, Joanne; as well as his beloved daughters, Jennifer and Julie, and their husbands, Ben and Luis; and of course, his treasured dog and sidekick, Luigi, aka "The Sheriff". He also leaves behind his brothers, Patrick (Dianne) and John (Mary) of Colorado Springs and their families. Sil was preceded in death by his mother and father, Vinta and Sylvio Bonicelli of Colorado Springs; and his rescue dog, Tony, Too. Sil was one of a kind with an unforgettable spirit. He lived an epic life that brought great happiness and laughter to all. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Our memories of him will live within us until we meet again.A Celebration of Life is planned for 12:00PM, Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the home of Joanne and Sil Bonicelli.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Sil's honor to Safe Place for Pets 1520 North Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (safeplacepets.org/give).