Obituary of Dominic Colossale

Dominic Colossale, 78, of New Britain, passed away suddenly on April 11, 2012. The son of Vito and Rosa (Catapano), Dom was born in Boscotrecase, Naples, Italy on April 26, 1933 at the base of Mt. Vesuvius. A baker in Italy, he embarked on the S.S. Andrea Doria arriving at Ellis Island in 1953 which began his new life in his adopted country where he was proud to become an American citizen and, especially, a proud citizen of his beloved hometown of New Britain. He soon founded Colossale Concrete, Inc., his most successful endeavor as well as many other entrepreneurial adventures while employing family and friends and creating jobs for dozens of people. His determination to further himself from the harsh grasp of poverty made him fearless in his goals. He worked tirelessly at his business, later joined by his five sons. A work ethic beyond compare, it is fitting that Dom's last hour was spent moving the earth with his excavator. He was a founding member of the Sea Kings Scuba Diving Club, a hobby that became a true passion and resulted in his providing many brave years of service as a Search and Recovery Diver. He also served on the N.B. Auxiliary Police Force and was appointed Director of Civil Defense for many years which encompassed the historic blizzard of '78. He later served as City Alderman and on several Commissions in City Hall. His dedication to Civil Service was unfaltering and later continuously gave of his time and fully supported those in Public Service. He devoted his free time to raising money to erect the JFK Monument that stands at the West Main Street entrance to Walnut Hill Park as well as the N.B. Fire Department Fallen Heroes Memorial erected on South Main Street. Dominic was a selfless man who never denied assistance to those in need. He helped raise funds and provided support to procuring new uniforms for the NBHS Band. His Spaghetti Dinners served literally thousands highlighted by the honor of serving his specialty to President Reagan's pilot and nurse in his own home. His happiest times were spent fishing and clamming with his sons and grandchildren on Martha's Vineyard. A diamond in the rough with a heart of gold, Dom was a man of strong and unwavering opinion; a spirited character who will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by Virginia (Curcio), his loving wife of 49 years, and five proud sons, Carmine and his wife, Angela; Michael and his wife, Gail; Dominic and his wife, Alina; Robert and his wife, Jane; and Gregory as well as his beloved and adoring grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph, Jaclyn, Grace, Samuel, Harrison, Mason, Summer, Nicola, Jakob and Jack. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Carmine and Anunziata; mother-in-law, Lorretta Curcio; many nieces and nephews and was predeceased by his brother, Raphael, and his sister, Assunta. Funeral services will be held Tuesday 9:00 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Square New Britain, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. Maurice Church 100 Wightman Road New Britain. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 31160 Hartford, CT 06150-1160.