MARCH 18, 1940 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021
Stephen (Stephano) Paul Anselmo passed away on February 26th, 2021, with his beautiful wife and children by his side. His last days were spent with his family and his grandchildren encouraging them as he always did. Stephen was proceeded in death by his father Ernesto, mother Eve, sister Lou Carol and his brother Kenneth.
Stephen was born March 18th, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, the son of Ernesto and Eve Anselmo. He graduated in 1958 from North High School where he enjoyed playing sports and singing doowop on the corner with his buddies. Stephen married Donna Joy McAtee on November 26th,1963.
Stephen was drafted in 1966 and stationed in Germany. Stephen coached the Army football team in Schweinfurt, (Schweinfurt Crusaders). Discharged in 1968, the couple moved back to Colorado to raise their two Boys. Stephen’s life changed when he surrendered his life to Jesus. Stephen opened Stephano’s Crossroads Delicatezza in memory and tribute to his parents dream to bring people together. Stephen moved the family to Oklahoma in 1981 to attend Bible College, then moved back to Colorado and served as a pastor/counselor at Resurrection Fellowship. After his years of service, Stephen secured a position within the prison system as a Chaplain in Rifle Colorado. Stephen, as Chaplain in the prison and jail systems, counseled thousands of people throughout his life. Stephen taught himself guitar and love to sing and worship his God. Stephen was also known for picking up the hitchhiker, caring for the homeless and helping the wounded. Stephen always supported his family and continued his career of counseling into his later years at the jail in Fort Collins Colorado along with his continued support of past inmates.
One of the greatest gifts that Stephen gave his children and grandchildren was his love for God’s scriptures. He spent most of his time educating himself of God’s Agape Love and then helping those that came into his path.
In the last 10 years, Stephen dedicated a great deal of prayer and finances to the unborn children and the support of Life Choices Ministry, believing every baby deserved a chance. Stephen loved mountain rides, whittling on walking sticks, making birdhouses, finding old treasures he could recreate and spending hours in the yard. Stephen loved doing these things with his precious Donna Joy and Family.
Stephen is survived by his eldest brother Ernie ((Marcie) Anselmo, his wife of 57 years, Donna Joy, son Michael Shaun Anselmo and grandchildren Daphne, Michala, Lexie & Nate; son Andrew Paul (Kristin) Anselmo, grandsons Alec and Jake
A celebration of life will be in late spring and Friends and Family will be notified. Family and friends may visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/everlastinglove To post “Well Wishes” and read posts from his loved ones.
Charitable Donations can be made to Life Choices (Stephen’s favorite) in care of Prodigals Ministry or you may donate solely to Prodigals Ministry.
