June 13, 1934 – August 18, 2025

With deep gratitude, we announce the passing of Ernest “Ernie” Gianinetti, a lifelong Carbondale native who lived with heart, grit, and a deep love for the land and people around him. Born to Ben and Alphonsine Gianinetti, Ernie was shaped early by the values of hard work, loyalty, and service, traits that left a lasting mark on the Roaring Fork Valley. His honesty earned respect, and his warmth and humor made him unforgettable. He loved a good story, a lively polka, and any excuse for a gathering filled with laughter.
Family was at the heart of everything for Ernie. He carried his Italian heritage with pride, from making Gianinetti Sausage with the game he hunted and the animals he raised, to passing down traditions that connected generations. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing meant more to him than seeing his family together carrying those values forward. His opinions were strong and his voice carried weight, but at his core he was a man whose deepest hope was to see his family and community thrive.
Ernie poured himself into his community. He never missed a Potato Day and proudly rode in its parade. As a longtime leader of the Mt. Sopris 4-H Horse Riding Club, he mentored countless local kids, sharing his knowledge and passion for horses. His fingerprints are all over Carbondale’s history. He, along with his wife, Carol, helped establish the valley’s first local bank, today known as Alpine Bank, and the Heritage Park Nursing Home. He also founded the Mt. Sopris Recreational Riders Snowmobile Club and carved the very trails we enjoy today.
He was happiest outside, on horseback, on a snowmobile, on a dirt bike, on a boat fishing, or hunting in the backcountry. For many years he proudly rode in the Colorado 500, fueled by his adventurous spirit and love of the open trail. And through it all, he was anchored by the love of his life, Carol, his wife of 72 years, with whom he built a home, raised a family, and shared a bond that began with a motorcycle ride in the summer of 1950. In his later years, when asked to reflect, Ernie said simply, “It’s been a great ride!”
Perhaps his greatest legacy is the land he poured his soul into, known as Gianinetti Spring Creeks Ranch. Every tree planted, every pasture cared for, and every fence post set carries a piece of his story, and his family will continue to honor his values there for generations to come.
As he often said, “When in doubt, give it hell!” Ernie was a force of nature, a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy not just of land and tradition, but of character that will not be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife Carol Gianinetti (Fiscus), 4 Children: Melanie Cardiff (David), Marissa Bell (John), Mark Gianinetti (Ann), Mitch Gianinetti (Denise), his 12 Grandchildren: Jashine Wise, Janelle Forbes, Seth Bell, Carissa Bell, Kade Gianinetti, Tanner Gianinetti, Landin Bailey, Hattie Gianinetti, Megan Gianinetti, Shay Gianinetti, Paige Gianinetti, Kailei Gianinetti, and 9 Great Grandchildren: Layton Wise, Aubrey Wise, Aspen Bell, Adler Bell, Hayes Gianinetti, Lorna Forbes, Sunny Gianinetti, Hadley Bailey, Nia Logan.
A celebration of his life will be held next summer, and in true Ernie fashion, will be one heck of a party!