PAUL VERNON "BEAU" COLAIANNI

COLAIANNI Lt. Col. PAUL "BEAU" VERNON, USAF (Ret.)
A World War II veteran passed away quietly on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born April 29, 1925, in Pittsburgh, PA, to James and Madeline (McKinley) Colaianni. He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth (Betty Jean) (Toner), in 1949. Together they lived a life of love and ever-lasting devotion. In 1943, Paul enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in England with the "Mighty 8th". After the war, he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he immersed himself in the study of history. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and served his country faithfully for 30 years. In 1975, he retired to his home town of Pittsburgh. Love of country and family were the hallmarks of Beau's life. He and Betty Jean raised a wonderful family, Mark (Amy), Dale (Debra), Mary (David) Brady and Susan (Erik) Hansen. Paul is survived by his beloved wife; four children; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. A Funeral Mass at S.S. Simon & Jude Catholic Church will be celebrated Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at 11 a.m. Immediately after, a Burial Ceremony honoring Paul's military service will be held in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
www.slaterfuneral.com
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