Michael N. Colalillo

Michael N. Colalillo

AGE: 94 ? Bound Brook

Michael N. Colalillo," Big Mike", 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at his home with his loving family at his side. Mike was born in Franklin, MA, to the late Salvatore and Maria Colalillo. He had lived in Bound Brook for most of his life. Mike was an Army Veteran of WW II serving in the China - Burma - India Theater on the Burma Road. He earned the Asiatic - Pacific Service Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of Giles - Biondi Post No 63, American Legion, Bound Brook, and Thomas J. Kavanaugh Post No. 2290, VFW, Manville.

Mike was employed as an iron worker for the Iron Workers Local No. 11, in Newark. He was employed from 1949 to his retirement in 1978. Mike belonged to many civic organizations. He was a member of the Bound Brook Fire Department with Ivy Hook and ladder co. No. 1, and later Co. No. 2. He was active for 75 years. He served as Bound Brook Fire Chief in 1957 and 1974. He served on the Board of Engineers, Bound Brook Fire Relief Association, Exempt Firemen's Association, Exempt Fire Chiefs' Association, the NJ State Fire Chief's Association, where he had been Vice Chairman and had served as Sergeant at Arms for many years. He was a Life Member of Lodge No. 1388, B.P.O. Elks, Bound Brook, where he had served as Trustee and House Chairman. He was named Elk of the Year in 1997. He was very active in the Bound Brook Chapter of Deborah Heart and Lung Center from 1982 to the present, collecting donations until September of 2009. He received their Outstanding Service Award in 1997, 2003, and 2006, and received the Heart of Gold Certificate in 1984. He was an active member of the Bound Brook Republican Club and the Somerset County Republican Organization. He served on the Bound Brook Park Commission, Memorial Day Parade Committee, and had been Chairman of the Bound Brook Centennial Parade. He was a Communicant of St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook, where he was an usher for many years. With all the outside commitments, his favorite time was spent with wife, children, and especially his beloved grandchildren.

Mike was predeceased by his brother Joseph, and sisters Jennie DiNunzio and Philomena Gambino. Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Beverly, his daughter Cynthia (Edward) Gruszecki, and his son Frank all of Bound Brook and Michael (Ann Breen) of Matawan; his grandsons Timothy (Kate) Knapp and Christopher Knapp; his sisters Frances April, and Marie Matuskiewicz, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 22, from Hagan - Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, followed by a 9:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church. Interment will be at Bound Brook Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Funeral Home Monday, 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Deborah Heart and Lung Center, P.O. Box 820, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 - 0820.