Michael D.
Ciletti
July 21, 2023

Michael D. Ciletti, age 81, passed away on July 21, 2023, after an intense battle with cancer. Born to Leonard and Carmella Ciletti, he was a resident of Colorado Springs for 49 years. He was an avid photographer (mdcilettiphotography.com), loved the mountains, climbed over 25 fourteeners, and in addition he walked the Camino de Santiago. Mike first came to Colorado Springs in 1968, to serve in his ROTC commission doing research at the USAFA. After living briefly in California, he returned to Colorado in 1974, where he began his teaching career at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
A "triple domer" (BS, MS, and PhD) graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike was a retired professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. He wrote several renowned textbooks used by universities worldwide. Beloved by his students, family, and friends, Mike was a man of the people, humble, and very pastoral in his role as a deacon in the Catholic Church. Mike loved Jesus, Notre Dame, nature, traveling, and music. He was a great man, a good friend, and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Jerilynn; and 5 children: Monica (Michael) McCormick, Lucy (Peter) Van Dusen, Rebecca (Shanti Taylor) Ciletti, Christine (David) Steigerwald, and Michael (Michelle) Ciletti. His surviving grandchildren, known as the "Cousin Dozen," include: Michael (Nicole Harder), Kate (Luke Kirrane), Brigid, and David (Breanna) McCormick; Matthew and Ella Van Dusen; Jackson, Samantha, and Peter Steigerwald; Anthony, Abigail, and Joseph Ciletti. He is also survived by his brother, James (Mary) Ciletti; and sister, Barbara (Rick) Schreiber; sister-in-law, Lolita Ciletti; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Leonard and Carmella; and older brother, Leonard Ciletti.
A rosary will be held on August 18, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, 2030 W. Colorado Avenue, CO 80904, followed by a funeral mass at 4:00 p.m. Reception to follow. Interment will be at the Columbarium at Mount St. Francis in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southwest Indian Foundation (PO Box 86, Gallup, NM 87302-0001) or the St Anthony Indian Mission (PO Box 486, Zuni, NM 87327-0486).

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Published by The Gazette on Aug. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ciletti

10 Entries

Gayle Rappold

August 2, 2025

A wonderful picture depicting the many smiles Bobby and shared with him and Jerilynn. And Crissy, the memories and thoughts in your tribute were heartfelt and so beautifully expressed!

Jean Kennedy

July 31, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sue Laws Gibson and family

August 30, 2023

Jerilynn and family
I just saw this about Mike. I did not know him like I wish I did, but he and his accomplishments were special after reading this about him. My family and I send our deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family. He is at rest now and our prayers go out to you. A good man and a good family.
All our Love to all.

Wayne Heilman

August 21, 2023

I knew Mike from his work as a deacon, primarily at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, where I formerly sang in the choir at the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass. I enjoyed my friendship with him and considered him a good example of how to serve the church. As I was unable to attend his services due to work commitments, please accept my condolences on his loss.

Robert (Bob) Zawacki

August 15, 2023

Dear Jerilynn and Family: The Zawacki Family sends its deepest respect for Dr Mike and Condolences to your Family. We knew Mike at AFA, he and Bob were Deans together (at same time at UCCS and salaries the same) and later as Deacon at the Catholic Church. He was the Official that married our daughter Laura and husband Jesse. Mike was a great Father and a true American Patriot. Best personal regards, Bob Zawacki

Jean Kennedy

August 10, 2023

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to family, Mike was the kindness man to everyone. My Prayer's are with His family.

Brent & Linda Johnson

August 9, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We loved Mike like a brother. He was always the optimist and had a great sense of humor. He was always humble in spite of his numerous accomplishments.

Deacon Chuck Moss

August 7, 2023

Mike was a great man and a blessing to the Order of Deacon. Our sincere condolences to Jerilynn and family. It was an honor to know and serve with you both in the diocese of Colorado Springs! May he rest in peace Deacon Chuck and Rose Moss

George J. Gauthier

August 4, 2023

Our families met while we were teaching at the Air Force Academy and some of my best memories were taking 4-5 of our kids to the parks in Col. Springs while Mike travelled and our wives rested. I know a lot of accomplished, educated people but Mike was foremost among them. He had all the components of a truly full life with his spiritual, creative, familial, and technological assets. He could have had a very ordinary life but chose, with Jerilynn, to create something special. So pleased to have known him and looking forward to seeing him again. George Gauthier

Gayle Rappold

August 2, 2023

How blessed my family and I were to share in about 45 of the years of Mike's life in the Springs. My sincere condolences to all of you for the loss of a great husband and father, relative, friend or anyone, including myself, who was a part of his life along The Way.

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