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Mr. Donald A. Colongeli, of Cortland, New York passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday May 20, 2023. Born in Cortland, NY on Nov 23, 1928, he was the youngest son of DelFino (Murphy) and Maria Fazio Colongeli and pre deceased by his three brothers, Charles, Augustine and Nicholas.
Don was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church where as a young boy he served as a monk in honor of his patron Saint, St. Anthony. Don served his country honorably during WWII in the United States Air Force, Army Reserves and The National Guard at Fort Drum. A proud Veteran, he recently visited Washington DC on the Honor Flight from Syracuse, NY.
Don, for the past 40 years, was the proprietor of D.A. Colongeli & Sons, Purveyors of Fine Foods. He thoroughly enjoyed the many friendships made over the years serving his customers.
Don’s desire to serve his local community is evidenced by his many memberships in service organizations over his lifetime including: The Lions Club ,where he was a past District Governor, Grand Master of the Masons, Toastmasters, The San Rocco Lodge, The Sons of Italy, Past President of the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, The Shriners, American Legion, Boy Scouts. His Civic involvement includes: a member of the Cortland City School Board, the City Beautification Commission, the Cortland City Ethics Committee and the Cortland County Republican Committee.
Don loved to golf and was a 30 year member of the Cortland Country Club where he was pleased to have made a hole in one.
Don’s biggest love was his family who he cherished. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years; Christine Berardi Colongeli, his daughter; Susan (David) Briggs of Tully; two sons; James A. (Mary) Colongeli of Franconia, New Hampshire and Donald C. Colongeli of South Carolina, his grandchildren; Christopher, Nicholas, Rocco, Emily and Luca and great grandchildren; Allyson and Caroline and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Staff at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA and the Doctors and Staff at Guthrie Cortland Hospital especially those at Misty Glen for their care and compassion. The family would also like to thank, for his kind acts, Mr. Nick Renzi.
A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will celebrated at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com
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