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Mark Colaio Obituary
There are countless ways to encapsulate Mark and Stephen Colaio, but the T-shirts do it in three words. The brothers owned matching shirts that they wore every chance they got. On the front was inscribed, "Life Is Good."
"They drank up life," said their sister, Jean Colaio Steinbach. Mark was 34, two years older than Stephen, and in the best sense of an elder brother, he always looked out for him. As their sister put it, "From Little League to Wall Street, they were best friends."
Mark Colaio was a senior managing director and ran the agency desk at Cantor Fitzgerald, and he recruited his brother to work with him as a broker on the desk.
Granted, they had their distinctive sides. Stephen Colaio, for instance, adored the song "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang, and knew it by heart.
Then there was that hair thing with Mark Colaio. One day last summer, he and his father, Victor, were getting their hair cut. They decided to opt for pretty short. In an impromptu moment, they decided to go the limit and shaved their heads entirely. They announced that shaved heads would henceforth become a summer ritual.
Family was paramount to the brothers Colaio. Mark Colaio lived with his wife, June, and two children, Delaney, 3, and Joseph, 22 months, in TriBeCa. Stephen Colaio, who was engaged, lived a few blocks away. So did their sister.
One recent night, Victor Colaio told his daughter, "I lost my beautiful sons, but I lost my two best friends. That's how I feel about it. They were my best friends."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
KMK
September 30, 2023
Mark,
I remember our wrestling days at LuHi. You were a great athlete (and I wasn't!) and I remember your skill and dedication on the mat. I was shocked to find out that you were a victim of this attack, a couple of years later. I come back here every so often, but chose this time to finally write something. Even after all these years, and all these miles away, you are not forgotten, even by someone who was not very close to you, or in your circle of friends. May your family know that you are not going to be forgotten, ever.
September 11, 2021
I came across Delaney on Instagram + was instantly drawn to her photography aesthetic. As I scrolled down her feed, I opened a video she compiled of her father. It was such a beautiful glimpse of a fun/loving soul w/ an impactful smile.
On this 20th anniversary, I felt compelled to look up Mark (his age, his work, his story) I came to find they had resided on Beach St. in Tribeca two buildings away from where I went to art school 5 yrs after 911.
I got the goosebumps -
it’s amazing the web of connection we may find when We Listen + Look w/ Love.
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Mark on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Joey CF Chou
August 9, 2021
rest in peace
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Christine Araman
March 14, 2021
I remember summertime memories in Montauk and endless joking around from Stephen at the beach. Years later, while walking along the esplanade by the end of South End Avenue, two guys were shouting my brothers' name trying to get my attention. I turned to see the two brothers with big goofy smiles on the faces waving a huge "hello" to me. That's how I remeber them.
Del Newberry
January 23, 2021
We will never forget. Much love from Texas.
October 2, 2019
RIP to this September 11th victim.
Paul Merrick
September 11, 2017
Sixteen years later, your daughter is an inspiration with her remembrance of you and all the fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts and uncles who lost thie lives on this tragic day.
Jennifer and Vinny Gerard
October 19, 2015
You have been on my mind and in my prayers. Your beloved brother Stephen was one of my closest friends through my best friend Serena.
I met you only once. You were smiling and joking and from what I've been told that was U.
I pray for your children that you left behind and of course for your entire family to gain strength.
A tremendous loss for everyone that loved you and a loss to this world.
Shine on.....give Stephen a big hug for us.
Greg Hunt
October 17, 2015
I visited New York with my family in 2015 visited Ground Zero. After returning to Australia I was checking my photographs and noticed Mark's name on the plague at the memorial. I googled his name and found out more about him. Sorry for your loss. [Several years ago I put a 9/11 memorial song on you-tube (Crazy Bombers) please feel free to access it if you want to.]
Kind regards
Greg
Australia
Cassie Stallings
December 26, 2014
I never knew Mark, but I attended a 9/11 memorial service and we were given a name with a picture and bio of someone lost that day. I received Mark's name, and was so touched that I have kept that piece of paper ever since.
September 11, 2014
MY NAME IS ELLEN JOHNSON MY CO. HAD AN ACCT.WITH CANTOR FITZGERALD I REMEMBER MARK AS A FUNNY GUY AND HE USED TO PRANK US ON THE PHONE WE ALWAYS FELL FOR IT SUCH A FUNNY GUY I'M ALSO CLOSE FRIENDS WITH VICTOR(VITO)COLAIO ON BAXTER ST FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS I CAN REMEMBER RUNNING TO VITO'S APT.BEGGING THE MILITARY TO LET ME THROUGH SO I CAN CHECK ON MY DAD VITO HE HAD NO LIGHTS NO PHONE SERVICE WHEN I GOT HIM OUT OF HIS APT. I ASKED HIM WHAT ABOUT MARK AND STEPHEN HE SAID THEY WERE IN THE TOWERS WHEN IT CAME DOWN I FELL TO MY KNEES IN DISBELIEF ALWAYS A SMILE OR A JOKE FROM THOSE GUYS MY HEART GOS OUT TO YOUR FAMILY THEY ARE TRUELY MISSED.GOD BLESS
Audrey Mondello (Silbergleit)
August 2, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. I was friends with Pam in High School. I remember Tommy too. So,so, sad. My heart goes out to all of you.
Dr. Basil Fikaris
March 12, 2013
To Mark's family. I know you can never here too many compliments about Mark. I know it's always nice to hear from someone who was close to him. I had the privilege of being one of Mark's good friends in junior high and high school. And it really was a privilege and an honor for him to be one of my best friends. We played football from 8th grade until we were seniors. He always kept a positive attitude in any situation and he really help me out when my mother was sick with cancer. He's the type of guy that would put his arm over my shoulder and ask me how I was dealing with my mother being sick. He wouldn't take his hand away until I looked into his eyes and said that I was ok. He was always the life of the party and an advocate for bridging the gap between the athlete and smart student. He always lit up a room when he came in because of his wonderful smile. Mark was one of a kind and deserved all the success he achieved. I wish I could share all the stories that we had together, but suffice it to say that Mark made my life better and gave me the strength to go on when my mother died. Mark, you may not be here in body, but i think about you almost every day and how wonderful your family must be. I hope one day i get to meet them.
Tina Tritschler-Cohen
October 14, 2011
I still remember Mark and Stephen in elementary school.
They lived right down the street from me.
Can't believe that it has been 10 years!
Rest in Peace.
Thomas Heljula
September 19, 2011
St. Louis, MO had a memorial for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It involved a flag for every victim displayed on Art Hill in Forest Park. Each Flag was labeled with a victim's name. It was a moving sight. The flags were available for purchase to support a Marine Charity. I have the flag with Mark's name. I am honored to fly that flag in memory of Mark and all who were lost that day.
Audra McCormick
September 5, 2011
I am blessed to have have been a friend of the Colaio family ~ my thoughts, prayers and love to June, Delany, Joseph and the entire Colaio family.
Much love,
Audra Tayler McCormick - Antioch IL
Diane Howe-Mcguirk
August 23, 2011
I grew up in Hicksville also, just off of Burns ave. Went to school with Mark and Stephen. Both very sweet and popular guys. Very big loss for this world. My deepest sympathy to the Colaio family on this 10th anniversary year. May God watch over all of you now and forever.
Jennifer and Vinny Gerard
September 13, 2010
May you fly on angels wings...rest in peace along with Stephen and Thomas. We meet you only once, but, your smile and presence was great and has stayed with us all these years. With our friendship and love.
Robin Servedio
September 11, 2010
Rest in Peace
Doug Abraham
February 7, 2009
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jenn&Vinn Gerard
September 11, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers on this the seventh anniversary of the tragic day you were taken from everyone that loves you.
Your brother Stephen, who is with you, was a very very dear friend of ours. We meet you once, and, immediately saw what Stephen meant all the times he spoke of you! You were a very funny, great guy...may you continue to watch over your beautiful daughter and son, your family, and friends that love you.
May you know that you are not forgotten.
Johanne Momesso
September 11, 2008
Another year has passed... but you are not forgotten...
My thoughts are with you & your family...
September 22, 2007
on the six year anniversary, vinny and i will not forget you, stephen or thomas...we keep you close in our hearts and memory...even though we didn't know you very well, we, were very close with your wonderful brother stephen. we will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Vinn & Jenn Gerard
Wendy Bassuk
September 12, 2007
I think of your family often. My name is Wendy Cohen, now Bassuk. I was with Jean and Max on that hoffic day in my apartment in the West Village. The 3 of us just sat, cried and just wondered what to do for hours. I've moved out of NYC and to NJ since, but my memories will be everlasting. Jean and I have not spoken since the funeral. I would love to speak to her. I understand if it is to painful for her to speak to me as I am a direct reminder of that day. Again, I think of you and your families all of the time. Please let Jean, Max and the rest of the family know that I am deeply sorry. Sincerely, Wendy Bassuk
Peter Brink
May 10, 2007
Dear Mark,
I just came across this guestbook and I was sure I had signed it last time...We were great friends back in high school (LuHi) wrestling team, going to the prom together. My brother Tom and I went to your memorial service here in the city. I still can't believe your not here. Continue to watch over all of us from your perch in heaven. Much love to you and your family.
Your friend,
Pete
Kristine
October 23, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Janet (Easley)Allen
September 11, 2006
Dear June,
Ever since this tragic event occurred, I have continued to think of you and your family. I wish for your health, happiness and strength to live your lives. May God Bless You & Your Family.
Janet Easley Allen
P Tabbernor
September 11, 2006
In memory....
Bo Davis
September 11, 2006
Hard to believe that five years have gone by Buddy. I just spoke to Kev and have Bobby on the call list after the girls have had a chance to wake up. You are sorely missed, as much as ever.
Johanne Momesso
September 10, 2006
On this 5th Anniversary, I honor you with this page. You are not forgotten..
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family today..
KATHY MCDERMOTT
August 25, 2006
DEAR MARK,I WENT TO BURNS AVE WITH YOU,YOU WERE MY FIRST LOVE,AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU,LOVE YOU ALWAYS KATHY BROWN MCDERMOTT
Jenn & Vinny Gerard
September 8, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always for your soul to rest in peace and watch over your children. We pray for them as well.
It is hard to believe that four years have passed since the tragic day you were taken so suddenly along with many many others.
With heartfelt sympathy
Edward Sherry
September 11, 2003
Dear June and the Colaio family,our prayers are with you each and every day,we miss Mark & Steve very much we looked forward to seeing each other in Montauk,and the next time I'm there fishing,I will be looking up at the stars and I will know that you are guiding me,FOR THE BIG ONE.Miss you both. Edward Sherry
Ann Zemaitis
September 11, 2002
June, (Delaney & Joseph, too!):
I want you to know that you will be forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Nicholas, my son, was Delaney's classmate in preschool. I never had the good fortune of knowing Mark, but know by you, his wife, and his children and all his friends I met at your benefit that he must surely have been a remarkable person. I can not even begin to comprehend your (or the rest of his family's) loss or how you find the strength to continue-- except that Mark is surely smiling back at you in your children and he is, as your tribute said, surely present there. I believe that. I wish you only the best and good in your life and in your children's lives. I look forward to the next benefit and compliment you on your strength, courage, love and want you to know that you are truly an admirable person! My words truly fall short of the love and prayers I send out to you and your family. Love to you, Delaney & Joseph, from Ann Zemaitis, Michael Santiago & Nicholas Zemaitis-Santiago
Joanna Lowenthal
September 11, 2002
We are celibrating Mark and Steven today, on this anniversary of your loss. Our city has passed out American flags with names of those who were lost one year ago today. I was blessed to get Mark's name. He will not be forgotten. God Bless you !
fran mitkowski
August 22, 2002
I am so sorry for your loss. June, your tribute letter was beautiful. I hope someday your heart will know some kind of peace. May your husband, brother and brother in law rest in peace. My condolences to your entire family.
Yvonne Reidy
July 23, 2002
Mark , Although I didnt Know you very well I know you were a wonderful man Full of life and personality, both you and Stephen were top class guys , you will be missed dearly.You are always in my Mother Eileens,mine and my Brothers prayers . Always Youre Cousin Yvonne in Ireland.
Desiree Massaro
June 14, 2002
Happy Father's Day in Heaven Mark.
Gary Lusardi
May 17, 2002
I never met your beatiful family - Vic Colaio, but I have very fond memories of working with you in the accounting department of RMJ/Security Pacific. I am deeply saddened by your losses! You were always a gentleman. I can still remember as if it was yesterday your reaction when my father passed as he was your age at the time. My heart is with you and your family.
MICHAEL KENNEDY
May 15, 2002
AS A MEMBER OF THE N.Y.P.D. I WAS PRESENT AS THE TOWERS FELL AND WAS LUCKY TO ESCAPE WITH MY LIFE,WHEN I FINALLY GOT HOME 3 DAYS LATER I HEARD ABOUT MARK AND STEVEN,THEY GREW UP 2 DOORS DOWN FROM ME.IT WAS THEN THAT THIS TRAGEDY HIT ME PERSONALLY AND FELT SUCH A GREAT LOSS,I STILL SEE THEM PLAYING BASKETBALL IN FRONT OF THE OLD HOUSE EVERYTIME I VISIT MY PARENTS MY DEEPEST CONDOLANCES TO THE COLAIO FAMILY.
MIKE KENNEDY
DETECTIVE N.Y.P.D.
Millie Arroyo
March 16, 2002
Mark and Steven, even though I never met you, I feel I have, through your father Vic. Your father had dinner with me, Ira Lerman and a bunch of other lawyers on Thursday nights. Your father would talk about his sons and daughter and of course the grandchildren. You had to see the gleam in his eyes. My heart goes out to your family. May you both rest in Peace.
Peace and Love from Millie and her family.
Jennifer Gerard
March 13, 2002
To June and Family:
Just want you to know that all of you are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.
Mark was a very special man.
You, June, are extraordinary! We can see why Mark loves you dearly. He shines down on you, Delaney and Joseph with love, admiration and joy.
We believe that Mark looks down on all of you and will continue to guide and protect you all forever!
Vinny and I are heartbroken for you all and words cannot explain the pain we feel in our hearts and mind for you and your family.
We are always here for you whenever you need a friend.
With love and friendship,
Jenn & Vinny Gerard
Tina Tritschler-Cohen
March 11, 2002
Dear June and Family:
I don't know if you remember me but I graduated high school with you and Mark.
Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers since this has happened. My heart goes out to you all.
Maria Kuvaroglu-Fee
March 1, 2002
I went to high school with Mark and his wife June. Seems like yesterday we saw you at the reunion. June, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Be well.
Cindy DiStefano-Sayre
March 1, 2002
Dear June, I know it has a long time since we last spoke (probably since High School), but since hearing of your loss you have been in my constant thoughts and prayers. You have written a beautiful tribute to Mark. I am sure he is proud of you and the children.
God Bless you all.
With loving thoughts, Cindy Sayre
Cindy and Jerry Caruso
January 16, 2002
We first met Mark and June on a sightseeing/snorkeling cruise in Bermuda in 1999. Mark, after swimming a bit hurriedly back to the boat, commented at how he admired the wisdom of my husband and myself as we had opted out of snorkeling because surely a shark attack in such warm water was inevitable! :) Later Mark asked if we would like to go to dinner with them. At a quaint Italian restaurant, we spent a wonderful evening discussing our current lives and future plans. When Mark paid the tab, my husband got his business card with the hopes that we would return the favor some day. It is to our utmost regret that we never got that chance. We feel truly blessed to have our lives touched by Mark's charismatic presence and know that such a soul can never truly die but remains forever in spirit. May God bless June, his children and his family. They will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
It was whenever you were around!
January 16, 2002
Brother, Life was good; and you did a damn good job of living it!
I will never forget the day you took my 5 dollar sunglasses, or your famous 1-run Aspen ski days. Those were some of the best times of my life. I wish those times weren't gone...
June and I were looking for the sunglasses the other day while Bobby played with Delaney (he's still looking out for you). It was all I could do to keep from breaking down; that is until June gave us a pep talk we started cracking Mark jokes. Buddy, you would be so proud of her; she's been so strong..
Mark,
You are sorely missed. Every time the line blinks, every time Espeed goes down, every time I miss a trade because I forget and pick up your line. Old habits die hard.
Your gone, but in my heart, I'm still giving you grief every day.
I am completely certain you'd want it that way.
Jennifer Gerard
January 15, 2002
Mark:
Vinny and I meet you at Stephen's 31st Birthday party, what a blast we all had and how happy Stephen was are memories we will always cherish.
You were very funny and we could tell immediately why you were loved by so many people. Upon meeting you we got the impression that you were confident, smart and really treated people well. We had a lot of laughs that partied all night to the music that Stephen really loved, DISCO!
You have a lovely wife, June and your children, Delaney and Joseph are just beautiful. We will always think of them, pray for them and be here for them whenever they need us.
We are so sad that you are gone, but you are certainly with your best buddy, Stephen and your brother-in-law, Tommy.
We will keep you in your prayers and thoughts forevermore. We will also remember Tommy and the Pedicini family and pray for them everyday.
Rest well..May God Keep You, Stephen and Tommy in his light and love.
Jennifer & Vinny Gerard
Teresa Jahn
January 6, 2002
May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of Mark and Stephen. May you always feel the warmth of their love radiate love into your hearts. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Mark Harvison
January 4, 2002
To the families of Mark and Stephen: I didn't know either of them, but I wish I could have had that honor. You have my deepest sympathies. God bless all of you.
Mark Harvison
Leonard Donato
December 21, 2001
My deepest condolences ,I knew Mark & Stephen when they were enrolled in the Sons of Members at the DAC ,And also a friend of you father Inlaw Victor.I just fround out from a mutual friend about Mark & Stephen and my Wife and I are truly sorry Mr&Mrs Leonard Donato
June Colaio
December 5, 2001
Dear Prince Charming (Mark),
I was just watching our wedding video and listening to our priest's Homily. He compared our relationship to that of Snow White and Prince Charming. I never thought our fairytale would end this way. You were my first crush in junior high and I knew when we started dating later in life that you were the one. I just can't figure out what all this means. You were the most patient, kind, giving, funny, tender, caring, and heartfelt person I have ever known and I struggle so hard to understand why you! The only answer I come up with is that Heaven needed the best angels up there to help us all down here. I selfishly wish your services weren't needed up there but I will try to continue your work down here. I will never be half the person you were but I will give it my best for our children. I promise I will never let them forget everything that you were and that you stood for. Please know that I will always feel you with me in every breath that I take and in every smile I see on our children's faces. You are my love, my soulmate, my source of hope, my reason to go on, and my reason to have faith, for I know what I have waiting for me at heaven's door. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I could write these words a million times and it still wouldn't do justice to the way I feel about having you in my life for the last seven years. Seven years was not nearly enough, but I know that my memories of you will have to be enough to last my whole life.
I believe that you are with us even though we can't see you. When the doorbell rings and Joseph runs to it saying Dadda, Dadda, I know in my heart that you are there in spirit looking at his smiling face and watching him grow. When Delaney is crying saying how much she misses you, I know that you are right beside her, holding her and telling her it will be alright. And when I am at my most lonely, I know that you are brushing away my tears. I will forever miss you and cannot wait to see you in my dreams and when my life here is finished.
Your wife, June
Phil Prince
December 3, 2001
It was a great pleasure to have known you, and you will be sorely missed. The world is a less interesting place without you.
jean colaio steinbach
November 21, 2001
Mark,
You are so truly missed by me. We have become closer than we ever have been, this is so cruel. You were one of my closest friends, one that I sought advice from for every aspect of my life. I love you so very much; Max still asks for his for his Uncle Mark, he adores you trenedously. I don't know how we are going to cope without the cool, calm and collected son, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, who gave so much to everyone. You never spoke badly about a single soul, you are so good. We will miss you until our deaths. Mom, dad, Uncle Jerry and Tanguy are all suffering. Don't worry, I will be here for June, Delaney and Joseph. I love you so so much. You were the best brother a girl could ever have. Take care of Stephen for me.
Your loving sister,
Jean
shannon peak
November 9, 2001
Mark-I consider myself very lucky to have been your cousin, I will forever remember you with a smile. I have beautiful memories-we all do.God bless, rest in peace.
Erin Williams
November 9, 2001
Mark - Your kind and generous nature, and the pride in your family that shone in your face will always stay with me. Thank you. God bless you and keep you ... till we meet again.
Love
Your cousin
Erin
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