Anthony N. Colonna

Anthony N. Colonna

Anthony N. "Tony" Colonna, 84, of Erie, passed away Monday, July 31, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a battle with ALS. He was born on April 10, 1939 in Erie, PA the youngest child of the late Bernardino and Anna Zonna Colonna.

In his youth, Tony went to both Irving and Roosevelt neighborhood schools, and he was also a member of Saint Stephen of Hungary Church. He was a graduate of Erie Technical High School, Class of 1958.

Tony served in the National Guard for six years after completing Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY. He worked for the Auditor General Department of Pennsylvania for 34 years. He held the position of Office Manager and Regional Supervisor overseeing audits for schools, liquor stores, and volunteer fire departments.

Tony enjoyed most sports, especially watching football and tennis on TV. His real passion was golf, and he was a member or Downing Golf Course for 56 years. Tony cherished his "life-long foursome" and upon retiring could be seen on the course four days a week. Tony was a loving, loyal, and dedicated husband and father who always put his family first. He lived his life to the fullest and was a true friend to all. He was very proud of his Italian Heritage and was a member of the La Nuova Aurora Society of Erie. He was also a member and usher at Mount Calvary Church.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his brothers and their spouses, Clement, Nicholas (Clara), and Rudy (Joanie) Colonna; his sisters and their spouses, Mamie (Phil) Farbo, Mary (Nick) Bonamino, and Gilda (Ralph) Tammierello; sister-in-law, Judith Bodnar; brothers-in-law, Hezzi Bodnar, Ed Kuhar, and R. Tom Rinke; and beloved nephews and niece, Bernie Colonna, Paul Bonamino and Tina Riddle.

His loving memory will be cherished by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Schell Colonna; his daughter, Anna Colonna Fuhrman (Matt) of Erie; step-children, whom he considered his own, Anthony "T-bone" Mancuso (Freida) of Garland, TX, Christina "Tina" Mancuso, and Albert Mancuso (Cathy) both of Erie; his grandchildren, Ava, Mason and Addie Fuhrman, and Nicholas, Albert and Corey Mancuso; and two great-grandchildren, Rylee and Gia. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth DeLuca (Donald), Mary Kuhar-Rinke, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a service there on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul Church, 1617 Walnut Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Tony's family would like to thank his caregivers, Lori Gadley, Veronica Bates, and Char Newkir, for their dedication and compassion. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association, www.als.org or to UPMC Home Healthcare and Family Hospice, 1700 Peach St #244, Erie, PA 16501.

A letter to my wife: "The most important day in my life was the day I married Shirley. She brought me over 45 years of love, joy and laughter. Shirley always took care of me. My job required me to travel for a week at a time and Shirley would pack me meals like pasta e fagioli. During my illness, Shirley always tried to make me more comfortable and find ways to make me laugh. Her love for me showed in all she did.

My love for Shirley continues to grow each day as I see how she sacrifices for me with love and humor. To Shirley, my caring, loving, joyful wife, all I can say is thank you. I pray you will always know and feel my love. Tony"