John Dominic Budnella

John Dominic Budnella was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to John Joseph  and Virginia (Calvi) Budnella on June 25, 1933. His dad passed away at a young age. A few years later he and his Mom hopped a train full of soldiers from Memphis to Colorado Springs to start a new adventure with Gino Maccarini, owner of the Economy Market, the Bijou Market and Virginia’s sister's brother-in-law. Boy did they hit the jackpot with him! Gino Maccarini raised John as his own and made a good life for him and his mom. Eventually Gino and Virginia gave birth to a baby boy, Gene Maccarini. When he was young, John wanted to change his name to Maccarini because of the comments other kids were making about him having a different last name. Gino told John that he had a dad that loved him very much who gave him the name Budnella. He promised that if John still wanted to change his name when he turned eighteen, he would take him to the courthouse to do it  and said “one day you’re going to have a bunch of little Budnellas running around!” John and Gene used to share their mom’s love of fishing and acquired many more  hobbies over the years which started his love of the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, shooting archery, hockey, hunting for arrowheads, making knives, golf; the list could go on and on. He went to St. Mary's Catholic School where he was a right wing on the hockey team. Rumor is they were the best in the city…Catholic boys.  He joined the Navy in 1951 and served a  few years on the Thomas E. Fraser, a support ship during the Korean War. He was proud of his county. He returned to The Springs after the Navy and met his wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen Mcbride. They married in 1957 and in 1958 gave birth to their first son, John Joseph. He was followed by Anthony Nicola, James Francis and Judith Maria. John has 10 grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren, all of whom proudly call him Papaw. He retired from Mountain Bell after 35 years of service. John lived a full 91 years of life. He passed away February 22, 2025 with loved ones by his side. He lived  a long life, made many memories and many friends. He was preceded into death by his parents, his brother, his wife, many loved ones and friends. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren , many loved ones and many friends. Forever in our hearts he will be.