Larry Kopcho Sr.

Larry Gene Kopcho Sr. “Pompo” was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on May 1st, 2025. Larry passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Denver, CO on January 14th, 1948, to June (Tittle) and Wayland Kopcho.

Larry started attending the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind in Colorado Springs at the age of 6 yrs old. While he was there, he played multiple sports, totally kicking butt in wrestling, football, and track. During his athletic years, he won several awards and titles, and in 2012 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Alumni Association for the school it said, “In Recognition of Your Outstanding Achievement in Athletics.” He was very proud of all his trophies, medals, letters, and awards that he earned while in school. At 6 yrs old, he met his proudest trophy and future wife, Rosemarie Darlene (Tafoya). From the moment they met they both knew that they would be together forever, and Larry would proudly say, “I’ve been married since I was 6 years old!” Larry and Rosie “Squirt” were lawfully wed on December 28th, 1968, and started growing their family when they had Larry Gene Jr. in 1969. In 1977 they were joined by Michael Anthony and finally “the best for last,” Erlinda June in 1979.

As a blind man, still in school, he could only work odd end jobs, but his work ethic was impeccable. Larry started his first “real” job at 21 as a gas station attendant in Walsenburg, CO. In 1972, Larry and Rosemarie moved to Cheyenne, WY, where Larry’s family resided. While there, they were able to purchase their first of three brand-new homes. During their time in Cheyenne, Larry and Rose together managed the Alpine Cafe, Larry became a sewing machine mechanic, repairing all the lady's machines in the factory at Alpine Designs, and took a few college courses through LCCC. In 1992 Larry had the opportunity to establish a computer data base for the Bureau of Land Management. As a volunteer position, he spent anywhere from 24 to 40 hours a week entering data and ironing out bugs in their program, logging in a total of 1,250 volunteer hours. The BLM recognized Larry’s capabilities and offered him a full-time, paid position. He was last employed by Envision Xpress for 16 years and for most of those years he was training new hires. Larry was finally able to retire in 2015.

He was always working, never slowing down. He had a natural talent for helping and teaching people and was very adamant that the person understood what was being taught. Larry was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan and really enjoyed listening to any and every game that was aired. Together, Larry and Rose would listen to The Lawrence Welk Show and Heehaw on Saturday nights. He also enjoyed listening to Western movies and loved his popcorn, donuts, and bananas!!

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rosemarie “Squirt,” his children, Larry Jr.(Tawnee), Brandi Mae, Erlinda (David) New, his brother Paul (Jeanne) Kopcho, sister Linda Richardson; 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, numerous brother and sister in laws, and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his son Michael Anothony Kopcho, his parents Wayland Kopcho & June Tittle, siblings Sharron Sundermann, Rockie Sundermann, Yolando Lamphere, his grandparents Patrick and Carrie Gallagher.

Honorary pallbearers, Ted “Bronco” Tafoya, Daryl Lamphere, David, Izayah and Elijah New, Matthew and Malakai Kopcho, and Sebastian Piscitella-Kopcho.

Affectionately known as Bud, Hun, Dad, Pops, Pompo, Pompoo, Lay-Lay, Larr, Uncle Larry, we want to tell you, “I love you sweetheart,” “I’ll see you real soon,” “OoKay,” “If you get a chance,” “It should only take a few minutes,” “We’ll talk to you later,” and “Love you and we’ll visit with ya real soon”

Celebration of Life will be held on May 17th, 2025, at 10am @ Family Harvest Church, 320 W 23rd St. Cremation has taken place through Schrader’s. In lieu of flowers, we want your stories, and the family asks that donations be made to Meals on Wheels Cheyenne.