Timothy “Tim” John Chiono of Denver, died July 31, 2012 in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. of natural causes at the age of 54. He was cremated, and his remains will be returned to Colorado.

Tim was born June 23, 1958 in Durango to Ted and Jo Chiono. He was raised in Cortez until the age of six, when the family moved to Grand Junction, Colo. Tim graduated from Fruita Monument High School in Fruita, Colo. in 1976. He was a truly gifted student athlete. Tim lettered in numerous sports including baseball and track in the same season. Upon graduation, he attended Oregon State University for one year on a scholarship.

Tim was an intelligent and thoughtful man. He loved researching new things and was interested in unusual topics, as well as trivia. Also, Tim had a special interest in cooking Italian dishes, baseball and all animals, especially dogs. His life was truly a learning experience.

Travel was important to Tim. He spent most of his career working in the field of industrial construction in the oil and gas industry. Working across the country, Tim made many lifelong friends. During a several year hiatus from construction, he studied for and received a real estate license in Colorado and became an associate broker. However, the “field” called and he returned. Most recently, Tim worked as an environmental inspector on new natural gas pipelines. It was apparent to all that Tim loved his work.

Most importantly, Tim was a caregiver. Throughout his life, he had several opportunities to provide care for his grandmother, Mary Chiono; his companion, Jacqueline Hoth; and most recently he cared for his mother and his beloved sister, Aleece.

Tim is survived by his mother, Jo Rutherford of Fort Lupton, Colo.; his sisters, Michele Handschuh, Cecile Pierce of Fort Lupton, Camille Kauffeld (Michael) of Greenwood, Ind.; his brothers, Mark Chiono (Kathy) of Grand Junction; Matt Chiono of Windsor, Colo.; and Tony Chiono (Liz) of Fruita.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Ted Chiono; his stepmother, Maxine Chiono; his sister, Aleece Chiono; his long-time companion, Jaqueline Hoth; as well as his nephew, Dylan Chiono.

A memorial service will be held in Fort Lupton at the Methodist Church (306 Park Avenue) on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

Tim is loved and will be missed dearly by family and friends.