SAYING GOODBYE TO PATRICK BALERIO BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN IN EARLY NOVEMBER, we learned that Denver VOICE vendor Patrick Balerio passed away. When I first came to the VOICE in July 2019, Patrick stopped by the office regularly to purchase papers. Then, the pandemic hit, and the last time I saw Patrick was in 2021. B time, foot traffic in Downtown Denv had slowed down significantly Although regular customers had grown used to not seeing y. VOICE vendors in the area, I heard comments from several readers about how much they missed seeing Patrick’s smile or hearing his warm greetings. Even though he didn’t return to vending the VOICE PATRICK BALERIO’S DESIGN FOR THE 2016 WRAPPING PAPER ISSUE ver after 2021, Patrick remained a part of the Denver VOICE community. Those who were fortunate to know him remember Patrick as a kind and caring person with a passion for learning. He also was a wonderful ler whose stories our w resonated readers. Patrick always ove to better himself and the world around him. While he is perhaps the only one who could gauge how successful he was at bettering himself, anyone who knew and loved him can say with certainty that Patrick Balerio made the world a much better and brighter place. ■ 4 DENVER VOICE January 2024
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