Michael Colacino

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

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