Joseph Edward Tatarka, 72, of Englewood, Colorado passed away on December 21 at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, after a sudden illness. 

Joe was born in Sterling, CO November 10, 1947 to William and Agnes (Niemi) Tatarka and was the oldest of five children. The family moved to South Denver in 1961 where he attended St. Vincent’s grade school. He was a 1966 graduate of Regis High School where he was a National Merit Scholar and made many life-long friends.

In the Army he served in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division as a Sergeant. 

Joe received his Bachelor's Degree from The University of Colorado, Boulder and his MBA from Seattle University. 

In 1986 Joe returned to Denver to work in the family business, A-B&C Enterprises, which specialized in marketing products. Although he had not planned on staying, he enjoyed the many hats required of a small business owner. With the support of a dedicated staff and his father, he stayed on to build the business to expand regionally and led the business through periods of expansion as well as the recession.

Joe’s passion for community and customer service led him to many collaborative groups, including the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President, and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. 

With natural talent Joe’s first success as a salesman came as a carrier for the Sterling Advocate. He was 12 when he won a sales competition by signing up new starts and earned the top prize of a trip to Cheyenne Frontier Days. He has always been motivated by providing clients with great customer service, fair treatment and good product. 

Joe is preceded in death by his mother Agnes, brother Bill, sister Mary, step-mother Theresa and father Bill. He is survived by sister Agnes (Denver) and Brother, Martin (Asheville, NC) Step-Siblings Kathy Izor (Denver), Dan Mayner (Columbus, OH), and Melanie Mayner (Denver). He was a beloved Uncle and Great Uncle, and a friend to all.

Memorial Service to be held February 1st at Regis High School (see info to the right).