TOM COLANERO, CLASS OF 1968, PASSES AWAY

 

                             TOM COLANERO WITH JOHN OLESKY AT 2018 MONONGAH HIGH ALUMNI BANQUET 

Tom Colanero passes away

 

Tom Colanero, Class of 1968, who was married to Julie Khuri Colanero for almost 40 years, passed away Wednesday, September 20 in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Tom graduated from West Virginia Tech in 1972 an embarked on a 45-year career in the chemical industry.

His parents were Elizabeth Milush and Philip Colanero.

 

Tom and Julie’s son is Christopher Colanero, married to Rose Colanero.

 

Tom’s siblings are Paulette Colanero O’Connor, Annette Colanero Davis, Cathy Colanero Johnson and James Colanero.

I had a reunion with Tom at the 2018 Monongah High Alumni Banquet. It was the 50-year anniversary for Tom's Class of 1968.

John Fazio, Class of 1970, who lives in Charleston, West Virginia, posted:

“Tom represented Monongah and MHS very well. He was a role model for me. An outstanding multi-sport athlete. His Grandmother and my Grandmother were sisters.”

 Bonita Lavenchek Waybright, Class of 1968, who lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, posted:

“I knew Tom beginning in first grade and all through high school.”

Tom’s obituary:

Thomas Ray Colanero, age 73 of Lebanon, TN passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2023. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home in Lebanon, TN. The Family will be receiving friends at the Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins at 2:00 p.m.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1972 and enjoyed a successful career in the chemical industry for 45years. Tom is remembered for his joyful disposition, sense of humor, and wisdom. He was a friend and neighbor to all and had the most generous spirit. He loved golfing, fishing, reading and was always outside with his dogs or completing DIY projects around his home. Most importantly, he was a proud husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending his time with family, especially his granddaughters. Reading to them, playing with them, and seeing them smile made his day.

Tom was born in Monongah, WV to Elizabeth Milush and Philip Colanero. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Philip J. Colanero, Jr. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Juliet Khuri Colanero; his son and his wife, Christopher and Rose Colanero; his granddaughters, Adira Rey and Leia Rose Colanero; his “bonus son” Wani Hakim; his three sisters and their husbands, Paulette & John Paul O’Connor, Annette & Mark Davis, Cathy & Mike Johnson and brother James & Debbie Colanero; and his cherished pets, Peyton and Moses.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause that was dear to Tom’s heart.

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.