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Anthony Colombo - Class of 1961

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 18/Sep/2024
71.223.65.22

    Anthony Camillo Colombo was born on May 14th, 1943, to Benoit and Carmela Colombo in Tunis, Tunisia, during World War II. Escaping a revolution riddled existence, his family immigrated to the United States aboard the RMS Queen Mary when he was 10. His parents and 3 sisters, Rosalie, Josephine, and Marie settled in Long Branch, New Jersey, before moving to Newburgh, New York.

Tony graduated from Newburgh Free Academy and completed his education at SUNY New Paltz, ultimately earning two Master Degrees in French and in Spanish.

At SUNY New Paltz he met his wife-to-be, Mary Ellen Homan, and married in April of 1966. He worked primarily for Beacon Central Schools at Rombout Middle School, until his retirement in 1998.

Tony was also an amazing craftsman. Some people are jacks of all trades, but master of none. Tony was a master of all trades. Not only a master carpenter, he installed all of the electric and plumbing as he fully renovated his family's home.

Anthony entered into eternal rest at his family home on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024. He spent the past two and a half years battling Alzheimer's Disease. Tony is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, his son Anthony B.F. Colombo, his daughter Joanna and son-in-law Dominick J. Santise, Jr, and his sisters Rosalie and Marie. He was predeceased by his sister, Josephine.

He was the immensely proud grandfather of Anastasia Eliza Marie Santise, Evangeline Grace Santise, and Olivia Corinne Santise.

He was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and teacher. His 81 years were filled with love and laughter and he will forever live in his family's memory.

Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Friday, September 27 from 2 - 5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon on Saturday September 28 at 10 AM, followed by burial at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. - May 14, 1943 ~ September 18, 2024