Angelo Frank Guerrieri, also known as Sonny, died peacefully in his home on Aug. 18, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born Oct. 5, 1934 in Crested Butte, Colorado to Mary (Bifano) and Jim Guerrieri. He had three siblings, two brothers, Gasper (Teresa) and Victor (Linda) Guerrieri and a sister Rose Marie Richardson (Don, deceased).
Sonny graduated from Gunnison High School in 1954. He served two years in the U.S. Army from 1955-57.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anna Mae Guerrieri and his six children. His children include his daughter from his first marriage, Terry Elaine Vader (John), along with the five children he gained from his marriage to Anna Mae: Arvena Vader (David-deceased), Annette Fry (Darrell), Peggy Dobie (Andy), Tom Dean Murdock (Penny) and Will Murdock. In addition, he has 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary, and his brothers Vic and Gasper.
Sonny enjoyed roping, hunting, riding horses and spending time with his grandkids.
He worked for OK Standard Tire and Sweitzer Oil for 15 years and Western State College, retiring after 30 years. He always had many side jobs, including working with cousin Richard on the ranch, and helping F Bar Catering (cousin John and Jan Guerrieri). He did custodial work at various locations including the Cattleman’s Inn, U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
One of Sonny’s favorite things to talk about was his debut as a background actor in John Wayne’s “The Searchers” and “The American Cowboy” by Ford Motor Company.
Sonny’s celebration of life will be held Aug. 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Gunnison, Colorado.
