Birth date: Feb 17, 1930 Death date: Aug 27, 2012
Nicholas J. Colaneri, 82, passed away Monday, August 27 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Nick wanted to be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, even though he was well known for his perfor Read Obituary
I was so sorry to hear of Nick Colaneri's death. Since I've been away from Syracuse for several decades, a good mutual friend sent me the news. Growing up in Syracuse, I always enjoyed seeing Nick acting/directing the Pompeian Players productions, but only got to know him for a short time, when he directed several musicals at Bishop Ludden HIgh School, during my Junior and Senior years. What a talented and fun director---what a wonderfully sweet man! As another writer put it, " to know him, is to know joy."
I can still see him jumping around the stage demonstrating what he wanted us to do, and how he wanted a scene to look,.... and that hat! He poured his whole heart into working with us little teeny-boppers, and we all learned so much from his direction, his acting and his example.
Nick and Mario were the best team at creating a great musical theatre experience, that blessed me with some of my fondest memories of high school, and led to a theatre major in college. There aren't enough words to describe the beautiful impact that Nick had on so many lives. I am privileged and blessed to be among them.
My sympathies and prayers to all his family and friends. Know you are missing him very much. With hope we look forward to the day, when we see him again.
Donna Crissan Winters
Bishop Ludden '72
Lou Anne and Family,
My sincerest condolences to all for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Barnell
Dear Lou Anne and family!,
I was so sorry to hear of Nick's passing! Unfortunately I didn't hear until I got back into town on Friday. NIck was a wonderful guy and I am so priveleged to have worked with him several times over the 40+ years in local theatre! I still have fond memories of "Harvey" and the good and fun times connected to it! It was always fun to run into you both when we chanced to like recently, of course, at the theatre!
My thoughts are with you at this time. KNow that he's still with you enjoying everything as usual! Be well, Lovey!
Robert "Tank" Steingraber
To know Nick Colaneri is to know joy. I imagine he is already directing a celestial musical, walking across some heavenly stage snapping his fingers to get the pacing right, twinkle in his eyes, Sinatra hat angled just so, and making everyone laugh, believe, strive, create. His love and kindness are imprinted in my heart, and there are hundreds of us, thousands of us out there. His legacy is far-reaching, deeply felt and an extraordinary gift to the world.
My heart goes out to the Colaneri family. I remember you all with great fondness from our days at Bishop Ludden. May your memories and the love of family and friends carry you through this terrible loss.
Recently, I took my 16-year-old daughter to see "How to Succeed" on Broadway and sitting in that audience all I could think about was Nick and Mario. Every word, every song came right back to me. Was it over 35 years ago I was wearing that horrid pink dress and pumps along with all the other girls on Ludden's stage? Impossible. It seems like yesterday.
I am so grateful to have known Nick Colaneri. He made me "proud to be, in that fraternity, that great big brotherhood of man."
Marie Esposito
Bishop Ludden '75
Tp The Colaneri family - Our deepest sympathies for the passing of Nick. There is so much good to say about Nick that it would take volumes of books. I never knew any one who did not say a kind word about him. He always recognized me no matter how long it had been since our last meeting. He made everyone smile and had such an impact on so many lives. Our prayers are with all of you at this time. Your friends in Arizona. Mary Anne & Lou Sacco
To the Colaneri Family-
Many of the Pompeian Players, and especially Nick, were an inspiration to me when I was in high school--many years ago. They were sound community members who enjoyed life, their families while giving of themselves.
Rest in peace...sincere condolences.
John J Militi
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Colaneri's passing. He is remembered as a very kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Colaneri and the whole family during this time.
Noelle (Bishop) Pudney and Family
Dear Lou Anne,
I am sorry to hear of the death of Nick and sorry I cannot offer my condolences in person. I am in Pennsylvania visiting my daughter, My prayers are with you and your family. May He Rest in Peace.
Much love,
Mary Osborne
