Michael Colacino
January 24, 2009
Michael J. Colacino will be missed by so many. On January 24, 2009, he lost a long and courageous battle to cancer. Mike was born on September 9, 1926. He married Maxine Rizzuti on November 17, 1946.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years; his children, Mary (David) Golbuff of Fort Collins, Colorado, Michael (Brad) Colacino of Fort Collins, Colorado, Pam (Jeff) Baker of Des Moines, Iowa and Sharon (Jim) Lambert of Loveland, Colorado. He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren, Chuck (Angie), Tami (Todd), Melissa, John, Mike, Bryan and Jessie; five great-grandchildren, Skylar, Kyle, Jaiden, Paige and Luc; his sisters-in-law, Kay Burns of Great River, New York and Gloria Reed of West Des Moines, Iowa; many nieces and nephews and extended family members; Charlie and Bonnie Cordaro who have been as close as his children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mary Colacino and his brother Nick Colacino.
Mike was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving his country during WWII. He was also a member of the Club of the Society of Italian Americans and a dedicated member of American Legion Post 659, department of Iowa. He has been a member in good standing continuously for 50 years.
He successfully founded and operated some of Des Moines’ most popular dining spots and lounges, beginning with the key club days to liquor by the drink, including the B & C, Brass Rail, Rainbow Club, The Peppermint Lounge, West End and The Boar’s Head. Some of his eating establishments were Mike’s Inferno, Benzini’s, the original Judge Roy Beans, and Mi Max Diner. He will be remembered most for Maxie’s Restaurant, named after his beloved wife. Mike enjoyed preparing traditional Italian meals for his family and continued to do so even through the daily struggles of his last few months.
Mike will remain in our hearts as a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather and friend. Until we meet again, we love you and will miss you.
Mike was cremated and visitation will be on Thursday, January 29, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. A celebration of his life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines on Friday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to thank the Bright Kavanagh Hospice for their very special care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa in Mike’s honor.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Glen and Nancy Schaefer
01/29/2009
Maxine,
Nancy and I would like to send you and the rest of Mike's family our very sincere condolences and our very special sympathy in the loss of Mike. I have always counted Mike among my friends and Nan and I always enjoyed seeing the two of you at church and have missed Mike when he could no longer attend Sacred Heart in person.
We know that the love you and Mike shared for 62 years and the memories in your heart will allow you to never really part and will make your time of sorrow less difficult to bear.
If we can be of help, please let us know.
Glen and Nancy
JoAnn Mazza Weston
01/27/2009
Dear Max, Mary,Mike, Pam and Sherry...I am so sorry about the loss of Mike. Although I am unable to attend his funeral, I will be with you in spirit and I will pray that you will find the strength you need to endure this great loss. I will always remember Mike. I'll keep his memory and his wisdom in my heart always.
May you draw comfort from the love you shared, and from knowing he will always watrch over us now.
Love, JoAnn
Sam & Renee Colacino
01/26/2009
Max, Mary,Michael, Pam and Sheree:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
I will always carry a special place in my heart for my uncle Mike.
Although we are so devastated by his loss but both Renee and I are
welcoming the celebration of his life. I know he is with Dad, Grandpa
and Grandma watching over us all....
Love You All Very Much,
Sammy and Renee