Maria Rosa Colaccino

1927 - 2025

Maria Rosa (Gallo) Colaccino
1927 - 2025
Longmeadow
Maria Rosa (Gallo) Colaccino passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving sons, on November 11, 2025-just one week before celebrating her 98th birthday. She was the devoted wife of 65 years to the late Antonio "Tony" Colaccino, who predeceased her on February 12, 2013.
Born on November 18, 1927, in Pianopoli, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy, Maria was one of three daughters of Francesco and Angelina (Nanci) Gallo. She grew up, married and had two sons in Pianopoli, Italy. When her sons were 6 and 4 the family decided to immigrate to America, however not having enough money for the entire family to move to America, it was decided that Antonio would make the move alone. So, in 1954 Antonio moved to Springfield, Mass with his older sister Rosa Maruca as his sponsor. Upon arrival Antonio got a job and started saving money so he could send for his family to join him in America. Maria stayed behind in Italy, taking care of and supporting her two young sons Dominic and Francesco (Frank) before immigrating to the United States in 1956 at the age of 29 and finally reuniting with her husband Antonio. The Colaccino family settled in the Forest Park section of Springfield where, after two weeks of arrival to America, Maria got a job at Union Arrow Elastic Company in Springfield, to help support her family because one income was just not enough to support four people.
Determined to embrace her new country, Maria, accompanied by her young son Frank, attended night school to learn about being an American citizen and American history and proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1962-an achievement she held dear throughout her life. Maria was always grateful for the opportunities America had to offer her family.
Shortly after becoming a citizen, she went on to have two more sons, Joseph and David. She was both resilient and caring; she was able to weather any hardship while keeping her family happy and together. There was no sacrifice too big to make for her family. They were her greatest joy.
Maria was an excellent cook, frequently delivering her tomato sauce, meatballs, lasagna, homemade pasta, and other homemade Italian dishes as well as Italian cookies fresh from the oven to her adult children and their families as well as friends of their adult children. She truly was the glue that held the family together. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose love, kindness and strength created a legacy that will continue through generations.
To cherish her memory she leaves her four sons: Dominic Colaccino and his wife Christine of Belchertown; Frank Colaccino and his wife Norma of Suffield, CT; Joseph A. Colaccino of Springfield; and David P. Colaccino and his wife Jody of Enfield, CT.
Maria was the cherished grandmother of Kara, Andrea, Laura, Brianna, Giavanna, Gabriella, Alana, and Juliana. She also leaves her beloved great-grandchildren: Evan, Emma, Aubrey, Jacob, Olivia, Travis and Daniel.
In addition to her husband and parents, Maria was predeceased by her sisters, Rosina Frijia and Josephina Negrelli.
A longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Maria found comfort and community in her faith. She also worked for several years as a compassionate caregiver before her retirement.
Maria's family will receive relatives and friends from 4-7PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, MA. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, beginning at 8:45AM from the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10AM, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Maria's name to Mercy Hospital, PO Box 9012, Springfield, MA 01102-9012, Jewish Geriatric Services, 770 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield, MA 01105. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.