Francis Colacino

J. Francis Colacino

Newark---J. Francis Colacino, 85, of Newark, Nokomis, Florida and most recently of Clinton, New York, died on Tuesday (October 14, 2008) at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center in Utica with his family by his side.

Friends my call from 2-5 PM on Sunday (October 19th) at the Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller Street, Newark, New York. Father Felix Dalimpuo will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM on Monday (October 20th) at St. Michael's Church. Interment will follow in South Lyons Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to T.R.A.I.D., the assistive technology program at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, 3390 Brooks Lane, Chadwicks, New York 13319 or to a charity of your choice.

Mr. Colacino was born October 15, 1922 in Newark, the son of Frank and Elizabeth Haney Colacino. He graduated from Newark High School in 1941 and served with the United States Army Air Corp as an airplane mechanic during World War II. On June 9, 1951, he married Josephine Bilotto with whom he shared 43 years before her passing in 1995. Francis was the Superintendent of Mail with the United States Post Office in Newark, retiring after 35 years. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Church, was a member of the August Mauer Post # 285 of the American Legion and served as President of the Sports Booster Club for Newark High School. For the past 23 years, Francis enjoyed time with family and friends at his winter home at the Kings Gate Club in Nokomis, Florida. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren gathering shark teeth along Venice Beach.

Francis is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws Margaret and Thomas Batson of Holland Patent, New York, and Mary Jo and John Kalwara of Poland, New York; four grandchildren Katharine Batson of Brooklyn, New York, Jennifer Batson of Providence, Rhode Island, Emily Kalwara and Trevor Kalwara of Poland, New York.