Gary A. Silvestri packed many passions into his 53 years, including sports, food and family.

Mr. Silvestri died unexpectedly Feb. 8 of a heart condition.

Born June 20, 1955, in Oyster Bay, N.Y., he was the son of Albert and Victoria Silvestri.

A standout athlete in high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh from 1971-1976, where he played defensive end on the football team.

The late '70s found him associated with several professional sports teams, including the Baltimore Colts, the Denver Broncos and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Injury ended his sports career.

Mr. Silvestri subsequently operated the Top Hat Tavern at 1512 Lawrence St. in Denver in the late '90s.

"He was the best guy in the world. Everybody admired him," recalled his son, Michael. "He was the kind of guy who stood out. We did a lot of camping and fishing. He definitely taught me about food and wine and how to cook."

He is survived by a son, Michael Silvestri, 27, of Newport Beach, Calif.; a daughter, Victoria Silvestri, also of Newport Beach; a brother, Al Silvestri, of Louisville; a sister, Nancy Silvestri, of Oyster Bay; his father, Albert Silvestri, of upstate New York; and a grandson, Michael Silvestri II of Denver.

A viewing will be held from 5-10 p.m. today at Funeraria Latina Funeral Home, 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. There will also be a celebration of his life from 6-10 p.m. Friday at the Lakewood Grill and Bar, 8100 W. Colfax Ave.