Michael J. Guadagnoli, age 49, was born on September 22, 1974 and passed away on September 2,
2024. Michael grew up in Trinidad and attended Mt. Carmel and Park Street Grade Schools,
Trinidad Jr. High School and Trinidad High School graduating in 1993. Upon graduation, Michael
attended Adams State College in Alamosa earning his B.A Degree in Music Education in 1997. That
same year he was the Director of Bands at Windsor High School and Middle School in Windsor,
Colorado for 1 year. In 1998 he returned to Adams State College where he earned his M.A in
Secondary Education graduating in 2001. Michael was employed by the Monte Vista School District
as Director of Bands for the Middle School and Associate Director of Bands for the High School
from 1998 to 2008. Michael was currently the Vice Principal at Trinidad Middle School. He began
his employment at Trinidad School District #1 in August, 2008. He enjoyed his job relating
seamlessly with staff and students. He went above and beyond in his devotion to the students. He
worked tirelessly to keep students on the right path to learn responsibility, to have a strong work
ethic and to be willing to do what it takes to get the job done. “Mr. Guadagnoli” was loved and
revered by all whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary Ann (Valenti) Guadagnoli, sister
Darlene Guadagnoli, Aunt and Uncle Clara Mae (Marvin) Bak and Uncle Sam A. Valenti. Uncles
Louis (Wanda). Carl Jr. (Helen), Joe (Ruth) Guadagnoli, Aunts Mary (Herb) Marlowe and Frances
Guadagnoli. Grandparents Sam and Anna (Bracco) Valenti and Carl and Rosina(Pagliuso)
Guadagnoli.
Michael was a devout Catholic putting his faith above all else. He was a 4th degree member of
Knights of Columbus Council 1072 and Assembly 3481. Left to cherish Michael’s memory is brother
Albert (Gwen) Guadagnoli and sisters Kathy (Al) Bonato and Gerry (Richard) Unrein. Nieces and
Nephews Carissa (Clint) Buderus, Denise (David) Blutrich, Danielle (Bart) Rusler, Jennifer (Dan)
DeGroot, Adam Guadagnoli, Jimmie (Crystal) Bonato and Dylan Unrein. Great nieces and nephews
Izaiah, Matthew, Jaycee, Easton, Berklee, Meghan, Brynlee and Michael(Mikey). Godchildren
Anthony Sandoval, Adrianna Glorioso and Josie Terry.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 10th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Comi Funeral Home. Rosary
Wednesday September 11th at 12:30 PM followed by funeral mass at 1:00 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic
Church, 200 Church Street, Trinidad, Colorado.
Active pallbearers are Patrick Incitti, Russell Worley, Joseph Terry, Lawrence Sandoval, Anthony
Sandoval and Charles Glorioso. Honorary Pallbearers are Dustin LePlatt, Wayne Leone, Michael
Curro, Terry Sanchez, Guido Pachelli, Andres De Leon and James Sawaya.
My name is Loren Martinez. I am currently a music teacher in Colorado. I attribute a lot of my success to Mr. Guadagnoli. He gave me clarinet lessons all though high school in Monte Vista and got me to my success and love of music from that. I was his teachers aid when he was at the middle school. But aside from the music, he was a great man and a very great mentor and friend to me. Always sent me Christmas cards, even if we hadn’t talked in an entire year. I will forever remember him and will also attribute my success and love for music and teaching to his friendship and teachings.