Josephine Nick Copfer
PRICE – Josephine Nick Copfer, age 79, passed away Jan. 7, 2003 while surrounded by her family at home.
She was born May 8, 1923 in Price to John and Maria Teresa Cortese Nick. Married Johnny K. Copfer July 1943 in San Diego, Calif. He died May 17, 1954.
Josephine dedicated her life to her family, friends and Notre Dame Church, where she sand in the choir with her sisters for many years.
Her unconditional love for everyone she met made her a very unique person. Josephine spent her life doing for others and was the happiest when she could cook a meal. She will always be remembered for her exceptional steaks at the Matadore.
“To know Jo was to love her.”
She is survived by four daughters and three sons, Judy (Brian) Albiser, Las Vegas, Nev.; Jimmy (Kay) Copfer, Price; Joyce Burn-ett, Las Vegas, Nev.; Joany Copfer, Jacky Copfer, Jeany Copfer, all of Price; Johnny Copfer, Las Vegas, Nev.; three sisters and three brothers, Angelina Bonvicin, Serfino Nick, Kerry Fister, Louis Nick, all of Price; Martin Nick, San Jose, Calif.; Paulmina New, Price; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents; husband; brothers, Frank and Elvin Nick; and sister, Mary Juliano.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rick and Melissa and the exceptional staff at Rocky Mountain Hospice.
Funeral Mass Saturday, Jan. 11, noon, Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church. Vigil service Friday evening, 7 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Friends are welcome at Mitchell’s daily. Committal service, Price City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 60 E. 100 North, Price, UT 84501.
John Grako
PRICE – John B. Grako, age 85, passed away Jan. 5, 2003 at Castleview Hospital in Price.
He was born Sept. 18, 1917 in Sunnyside to Joseph and Catherine “Clara” Teano Grako. Married Vivian Brotherson Feb. 7, 1949 in Las Vegas, Nev., and their marriage was later blessed at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church on July 10, 1982.
After graduation from Carbon High in 1935, he moved to Salt Lake City and worked in a dry cleaning establishment. Later, he moved to Los Angeles, Calif., until WWII started. He then returned to Price to enter the service in 1942 and was sent to Norfolk, Va. He went to Army Airbase Radar School in Orlando, Fla., and upon completion, he shipped overseas to Port Lyaututuy in French Morocco.
During his three and one-half years as a radio operator, he was involved in battles and campaigns in Algeria, Tunisia, French Morocco, Rome, southern France, Naples, Foggia North Apennines and Po Valley. He received medals for good conduct and decorations for serving in the European, African and Middle Eastern services.
After being discharged from the Army, he returned to Price and opened the VFW Club in 1945. In 1949, he moved to Los Banos, Calif., and worked in Carlos Villa. He opened the Hub Hotel and Bar, later selling and moving back to Price in 1964. He joined his brother, Louis, at the VFW Club until 1976. He owned and operated the Savoy Club and the Price Hotel, which he still owned.
He enjoyed eating steamed clams, traveling, playing cards, playing the slots and bird watching. One of his favorite pastimes was playing chess, both against family and the computer.
Member of the Catholic Church. Member of the Price American Legion Post 3. He was a member of the Price Lions and a life member of Price Elks Lodge 1550.
Survived by his wife, Vivian Grako, Price; daughter, Dr. Kathy Grako and Andrew Shipps, San Diego, Calif.; sons, John Grako, Gilbert, Ariz.; Paul (Kristina) Grako, Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter, Ann (Bill) Stark and their anticipated twin sons, Mesa, Ariz.; three sisters, Berlinda Grako, Price; Rita Kirby, San Rafael, Calif.; Kay (Bill) Quillinan, Bothel, Wash.; grandchildren, Chris, Amy, J.P., Ben, Hayden Grako and Rachel Stark. Preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Tony Silvagni; daughter, Patricia Grako; brother, Louis Grako; and daughter-in-law, Karen Grako.
Funeral Mass Friday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m., Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church. Vigil service Thursday evening, 6 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Committal service, Price City Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a scholarship fund in memory of John and Vivian Grako at CEU or Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church.
Calvin Powell
LEHI – Calvin Grant Powell died of lung and heart disease on Jan. 7, 2003 at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center at the age of 78.
He was born to Grant and Margaret Ellen Roberts Powell on Sept. 7, 1924. Calvin married Myrna Fay Brinkerhoff on Jan. 13, 1963. Together, they have three sons and one daughter, Robert (Mindi) Powell, Gary Powell, Grant (Cindy) Powell and Margaret (Allen) McConnell.
Calvin served his country during World War II as a Marine.
He loved to fish and hunt deer. He couldn’t remember yesterday, but he could remember his deer hunting trips with his kids.
He leaves behind his wife; four children; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Carol (Dee) Fausett, Price; and brother, Devon (Butch) Powell, Price.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. at Fausett Mortuary in Price. A viewing will be Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to services at the mortuary. Burial will be at the family cemetery.
Sleep sweetly, my love.
Louie Castillo
SALT LAKE CITY – Louie Castillo, age 26, passed away Jan. 6, 2003.
He was born March 21, 1976 in Price to Jose J. and Ester Mabel Trujillo Castillo.
Member of the Catholic Church. Graduate of East Carbon High School and later attended the University of Utah.
Louie enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his nephew, Rabon.
Survived by his father, Jose Castillo, Price; sister, Christina (Rabon) Lucas; brother, Alfredo Castillo, both of Grand Junction, Colo.; brother, Chewy Castillo, Denver, Colo.; and two special nephews. Preceded in death by his mother.
Funeral Mass Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m., Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Vigil service Friday evening, 7 p.m., at the church in East Carbon. Family will be at the church Friday and Saturday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Valley View Cemetery, Sunnyside.