Julia DeNicola

July 14, 1961 - August 26, 2024

Julia Ann (Buttleman) DeNicola, known to most as Julie, 63, passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at her home in Aurora, Colorado on August 26, 2024. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Rich and Doris  Buttleman. She is survived by her children: Allison (Keith) Benson, Kimberly DeNicola (Geff Sloter), and Richard DeNicola; grandsons: Lane Benson and Valen Sloter; brother Kurt (Kim) Buttleman; and niece and nephew Dori and Hank Buttleman.    

Julie was born in Peoria, IL and spent her early childhood in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She also lived in Texas, Wisconsin, and Colorado during her life. She had a lifelong interest in travel with Greenland, Greece and Belgium being some of her favorite places. Julie treated life as a series of new adventures. Her dream was to write a book about her life’s adventures (both good and challenging) to help others and provide optimism and hope. Her love of new adventures was infectious and will live on with her friends and family. Also adventurous with her interests, she experimented with numerous artistic hobbies and in keeping with her generous spirit would always share her work with friends and family. 

Julie was a caregiver and dedicated her life, both personally and professionally, to helping others. A graduate of Regis University, she ran her own business (Stepping Stones Advocacy, LLC) providing support, consulting, and representation for families whose youth are in the juvenile justice service continuum. A highly respected practitioner, in 2022, she was appointed to the Governor’s Justice and Delinquency Prevention Council for Colorado.  

Julie was courageous and resilient, took everything in stride with grace and humor, and loved unconditionally, finding the positive in everything and everyone. She touched countless lives and her life will have a lasting impact.

Donations

Memorials or donations may be made to Mito Action.