Joseph Casanova

Joseph Anthony (Tony) Casanova was born in Hudson, WI on April 28, 1953 to Dorothy (Alcorn) Casanova and Raymond Casanova. He graduated with a BS in chemistry from Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO in 1974 and with a DDS from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL in 1978. Tony married Leslie Cumming in 1973 and the couple has two sons, James and Adam. Tony practiced dentistry in Colorado Springs and Glenwood Springs, CO until he retired in 2002 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Tony was a National Ski Patrol member for over 20 years at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, where he was twice awarded Ski Patrolman of the Year. While a patrolman at Sunlight, Tony trained new patrol candidates and taught avalanche safety along with carrying out his duties to help skiers in need. Tony was a recipient of the Illinois Dental Society “Ethics in Dentistry” award while still in dental school, and was one of five students selected to serve a summer externship with Colorado Migrant Health in the summer before his senior year. He was president of the Western Colorado Dental Society in the 1980s and served as the dentist representative on the Delta Dental Board of Trustees in Colorado for many years. Tony was an avid sportsman, loving to hike and technical climb mountains like Rainer and Pico de Orizaba. He reveled in reaching the summit of many of Colorado’s 14ers with his close buddies. Tony loved rock climbing in Colorado and Utah with his wife and sons. He ran mountain trail races and competed in triathlons. Tony was part of a group of students who started a ski team for Hudson High School and he was the Wisconsin State Downhill Champion in 1971. He went on to compete on the Fort Lewis College ski team in Durango, CO. During his life, Tony was active in several churches including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, WI, Chapel of Life in Durango, CO, Southminster Presbyterian Church, in Arlington Heights, IL, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, CO, and the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs, CO. He loved having Bible studies with his friends from the Jehovah Witness fellowship in Boulder after he moved to Sunrise Assisted Living. Throughout his life, Tony was a very loving father whose pride in his sons knew no bounds. Tony was active as a leader in Boy Scouts from 1983-1993, guiding his sons to the ranks of Life and Eagle Scout. He was always generous and compassionate, reaching out to people in need and he will be remembered for this goodness by countless people. Tony was well-known for his sharp wit and the way he loved to make people laugh. He faced MS with grace and a sense of humor that truly inspired all who came in contact with him. Tony passed away peacefully, surrounded by the people nearest and dearest to him. He is survived by his sons James Casanova of Athens, GA, and Adam Casanova of Boulder CO, his partner for life, Leslie Cumming of Boulder, CO, his brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Linda Casanova of Hudson, WI, and his nephews Patrick (Amanda) Casanova, Michael Casanova, Joseph Casanova, and great-nephew Viktor Casanova. He is deeply mourned by his family and friends. Memorial services will be held in early summer in Hudson WI and Glenwood Springs, CO.