John Gotto passed away on August 17, 2024. John was born to Adam and Thelma Gotto in Hugo, Colorado on September 15, 1943. A 1961 graduate of Hugo high school, he was a four-sport athlete. In 1961 he was the pitcher of the state baseball champion team, pitching a one hitter. Due to his athletic ability, John received several baseball offers prior to the draft by the Cincinnati Reds in 1960 and the Milwaukee Braves in 1961. He chose to accept a three-sport scholarship to Colorado College. In 1961 he went home to the farm in Hugo and in 1962 he returned to school at Colorado State College, now University of Northern Colorado. He played baseball for Pete Butler after a little controversy.

In 1968, John met Cheryl Gilreath at a softball game in the Denver area. Two weeks later they were engaged and on May 31, 1969, they were married. During their 52-year union they had three children; Greg, Jeff and Kim.

John began his professional career as a math teacher and coach. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track in Lebanon, Kansas from 1968 to 1970. In 1970, he began teaching PE as well, continuing with coaching. He also became the Athletic Director at Holy Family High School in Denver. 1974 was the year that John told Cheryl that they would be in Brush for a couple of years. John became the assistant principal and athletic director at Brush High School. During this time, the construction of Beetdigger stadium was completed in 1979. They hosted the 2A state track meet in 1980 and 1981 when John was the meet director. In 1984, John became the principal at Brush Junior High School. While principal, he renamed it Brush Middle School. In 1990, John advanced to the Assistant Superintendent after a brief stint as Interim Superintendent. In 1994, John became the Superintendent for Brush School District. During his tenure as Superintendent, the construction of Beaver Valley began. In 1999, John retired from Brush. He got a call from Weldon Valley to be their Superintendent. It was a part-time job where he gave his all to the community. He oversaw the construction of the current Junior/Senior High School in 2004 and helped with the plans for the construction of the elementary school to be built later. He enjoyed being "back in the building and seeing students." John retired for the second time in 2005, leaving Weldon Valley. He continued to be part of education as a consultant for building projects across the state.

John was an avid golfer. In his spare time, he was often at Bunker Hill Country Club. He won the BHCC Club Championship in 1986 where he had 2 hole-in ones. John and Cheryl took several trips with friends they made at BHCC. Many of their trips included golf and family across the world

John is proceeded in death by his parents, wife Cheryl, sisters Mary Jo and Kathy, brother Michael, In-laws William and Mildred Gilreath, Robert Gilreath, Jay Trunce, Tommy Mitchell, Rick Butler. He is survived by children Greg and Heidi Gotto, Jeff and Jeni Gotto, Kim and Michael Brunkhardt, grandchildren Taylor and Hayley Gotto, Jaxton Gotto, Nicolas Clark, Ryan Clark, great grandchildren Ivy and Willow Gotto, sister-in-law Jan Trunce along with many nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate John will be held at Platte Valley Baptist Church on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:00. The service will be livestreamed via www.plattevalleybaptistchurch.org/ for those that are not able to attend. In John's educational spirit, his body will be donated to educational research. If you would like to donate to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/co in John's name.