David Allen Alire

David Allen Alire, 69, passed away suddenly on October 1, 2024 in Longmont, Colorado. David was born on July 24th, 1955 in Denver, Colorado. David, is affectionately known as Dave, and in his youth as Big Bird. Dave was a man of faith, and unconditional generosity, known for his compassion, and gentleness that put people at ease. David touched the lives of all that knew him, with his love, quick wit, humor, kindnesses, stories of his youth, historical/biblical knowledge, with love of ALL sports and food, and sharing his famous homemade salsa. David cherished, and his love for his three children was strong, foundational and an unwavering constant. Dave loved life, and found all his family and friends to be his most treasured blessings. Most especially the grandchildren that brought him immeasurable amounts of joy. He was a thoughtful and reflective man, did not have a place in his life for the use of drugs or alcohol, was an astute historian, and was watching how the biblical prophecies are guiding our world. Dave never lost sight of and always gave thanks to God for his life and all his blessings. He attended church regularly. Dave knew all good things came from God.

Dave was born in and remained in Colorado most of his life, with the exception of a few years (1978-81/82) in Saint Joe, Missouri area. Dave was one of five children born of: Jose Herbert Alire (1926-1978) and Anita Cecilia Apodaca (1929-2003).

Dave was raised in the projects of Denver and grew up to learn the value of church, family and community. Though Dave had humble beginnings, he rose to life’s challenges, with the guidance/protection of his older brother Jay, and became a man of sizable character and honor to achieve a successful and productive life. Dave attended Saint Elizabeth’s for his elementary education, and continued to study at Saint Joseph’s High School for a year before transferring to Central Catholic High School where he graduated in 1974 at the age of 19. He told me all Catholic High School Boys graduated at the age of 19, because they needed an extra year of learning. (Dave’s humor).

Dave went to work at a very young age (6th grade) at the neighborhood KM market with his older brother Jay. Here, Dave was introduced to making money and getting to eat “Meat” for food. He thought he was in heaven. After graduating from Central Catholic High School (1974), Dave got the opportunity to enjoy an internship, working in Yellowstone over the summer, with many war veterans that suffered from shell shock. Dave also got to play College Basketball for a minute or two up in Ft. Collins, Colorado before sustaining an elbow injury. Dave also worked at Craig Hospital with the paraplegics in a highly regulated environment with Isotopes. Dave was big, strong, compassionate and gentle with the care of the injured. Dave’s career spanned various industries, starting in Missouri at kill-houses, from 1978-1981/82, then transitioning to work for the Railroad. Dave found his calling in the Oil and Gas Industry, where in his final position, he excelled. Dave was well respected for his knowledge as Senior Gas Controller for Xcel Energy Company from 2007 until his retirement in 2021. During his years in the oil and gas field, Dave sustained many serious bodily injuries, that other men might not have recovered from, but he did. Dave told me the reason he believed he lived through these injuries and subsequent surgeries/disease diagnoses was because God had told him, he’s not done kicking his butt. Dave knew his life was always in the hands of God.

Dave was married in 1978 until 2003 to Anna Stasia Ziolo. They had three children: Andre Alire (1978), Shana Clapp (1979), and Antonio Alire (1985). They raised the children in Dacono, Colorado a small bedroom community. Dave, later in his life, enjoyed and shared his love with Linda Shires, in a committed relationship for many years, until his recent passing.

Dave was a sports enthusiast, who played basketball and football, did track and hurdles in his youth, and remained a huge fan, especially enjoyed watching all the grandchildren play. Anything his grands did, whether it be choir, cheer-leading, softball, or football, he was there. His other hobbies including cooking, particularly making his salsas, and he had a passion for music, was a talented dancer, enjoyed the challenge of puzzling, relaxed watching movies, was an avid reader, did yoga, liked walking and felt better when he exercised.

David is preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings:

Jose Herbert Alire 1926-1978 (father) Anita Cecilia Apodaca 1929-2003 (mother)

Antoinette Lucine Alire 1949-2020 (sister) Patrice Michelle Alire 1951-1999 (sister)

Geofrey Apodaca Alire 1957-2017 (brother)

David is survived by:

His loving spouse: Linda Shires

His dearly beloved brother: Jay Herbert Alire

His much loved children: Andre Malaquias Alire, Shana Denee (Alire) Clapp, Antonio Jay Alire

Mother of his children: Anna Stasia Ziolo Alire

Linda’s two sons: Christopher Eddlemon and Sean Eddlemon

Dave was a cherished grandfather to eleven granddaughters, six grandsons, three great-grand babies

Dave also leaves behind his very loved: Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews

and a multitude of friends.

Dave’s legacy of love, humor and kindness will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege to know him. Love you forever.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for David Alire will be held at:

Romero Funeral Home and Cremation

4750 Tejon Street, Denver, CO.80211

Date: October 18th, 2024 Time: 1-4 p.m