James L. Colantuoni, Jr.

On Thursday, May 11th, James L. Colantuoni Jr, 55, of Bedford, passed away. Jamie was born September 27, 1967 in Manchester, NH to Jim and Christine (Marriott) Colantuoni. Jamie attended Campton Elementary School and graduated in 1985 from Plymouth Area High School. Following his graduation from high school, Jamie attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1990. On July 7, 1991, Jamie married the love of his life, Jennifer Lynn Perkins. They raised one son, John Aaron (Jack). Family came first for Jamie and his love for Jen and Jack was unwavering. 

Other than his love for his family, cooking for others was one of Jamie’s passions. This love of cooking led him down a career path in the restaurant industry. He was employed as a chef for the Homestead/Fratellos restaurants for over 20 years. Jamie was later employed in a variety of extensions in the culinary field including private catering, kitchen market chef, catering manager, and finally, chef for the Common Man Roadside Market.

On the homefront, whether it be his famous chili or “little” barbeque, everything he cooked was made with love. If he was coming to your house, his “couple” items would be enough food for an army. Fresh corn from Longview Farm was undeniably a favorite of his!

Music was another love throughout his life. Whether it be the Grateful Dead or The Allman Brothers or a new artist his son introduced him to, Jamie always said, “Music is good for my soul.”  

Enjoying the summer months meant swimming, floating, or just sitting shoreside at the lake. He would reminisce about all the worms he put on fishing hooks for Jack, nephews, and nieces when they were young. Wintertime was often spent skiing with family throughout his life. For years, his greatest winter joy was turning the front yard into an ice rink for Jack. Hours were spent on the rink with Jamie padded up and Jack shooting pucks at him towards the goal. Football, wrestling, and baseball were a large part of his life growing up. As a father, Jamie’s love and pride were clear as he watched his son play baseball, basketball, and run track. 

Jamie is survived by his wife Jennifer, and son Jack; his mother Christine Hickey; siblings, Michael of Raleigh, NC, Gina of Palm Beach Gardens, FL., Jonathan of Amherst, NH, and Matthew of Manchester, NH; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Jamie is predeceased by his father, James L. Colantuoni, grandparents Freda and Bob Marriott and Clara and Pasquale Colantuoni. 

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 23rd from 5-9 PM at Fratello’s Restaurant at 155 Dow Street, Manchester, NH.