HORNELL-Matthew F. Colomaio, 95, passed away Wednesday morning (June 13, 2018) at his home on Pardee St.
Born in Hornell on Nov. 12, 1922, he was a son of the late Anthony and Carmella (DeGaetano) Colomaio. He was married at St. Patrick’s Church in Salamanca on July 12, 1958 to the former Mary M. Quigley, who predeceased him on April 6, 2014 after 55 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his grandson, Robert Michael Colomaio; his brother, Peter Colomaio and his son-in-law, Jeffery Briggs
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Matt was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to his honorable discharge in 1945 and was awarded the EAME Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Jubilee of Liberty Medal in grateful recognition for service from June 6, 1944 to Aug. 31, 1944 during Operation Overload which took place during the Invasion of Normandy.
Matt was employed for 40 years with the former SKF Corp. in Hornell, retiring as a toolmaker.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He was also a member of St. Ann’s School Alumni Assoc. and a former member of the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250 in Hornell where he also served as a bartender for several years.
Some of his favorite hobbies including gardening, traveling, fishing, hunting and boating. Matt enjoyed spending time sitting on the front porch at his home and will also be remembered for being a “sidewalk supervisor.”
His loving family includes his seven children; Joseph (Susan) Colomaio of Kinston, N.C., John Colomaio of Buffalo, Rosemarie Colomaio (Patricia Corning) of East Aurora, Deacon Robert (Pamela) Colomaio of Bath, Michael Colomaio of Hornell, William (Pamela) Colomaio of Hornell and Lisa Briggs (John Grillo) of Fremont; his nine grandchildren, Blaire (Charles) Sutton, Carley (Nick) McMichael, Gena Briggs, Mary Catherine Colomaio, Theresa Anne Colomaio, Vincent Colomaio, Anna Colomaio, Johnny Colomaio and Lucia Grillo; his three great-grandchildren, Cal and Charleigh McMichael, Charlotte Sutton and a fourth great-granddaughter due in August; his four sisters, Domenica “Maggie” Montemarano, Helen Robbins, Mary (Ezio) Fiacco and Rose (Joseph) DiCosimo all of Hornell; as well as his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Elaine Telehanny, Chris Wallas and Joy Stewart of Home & Health Care Services in Hornell and Tim Atwood, RN and the staff of the long-term care at the Bath V.A. for the wonderful care they gave to Matt.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Matthew F. Colomaio.
Calling hours are 1-5 p.m. Sunday (June 17, 2018) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday (June 18, 2018). Committal prayers and interment, with full military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Matt’s military service during World War II.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Home & Health Care Services, Inc., 82 Main St., P.O. Box 250, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences or remembrances of Matt are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
