William Dermot "Mac Martin" Colleran

William D. Colleran
"Mac Martin"
William D. Colleran, 96, of Canonsburg, formerly of Brookline, known professionally as Mac Martin, passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Jean, and his children: James (Vicki), Jeanne (Richard Weaver), Daniel (Rosemary), and Robert (Kimberly). He also is survived by his brother, James (Lori) Colleran. His son, William, predeceased him, as did his sisters Mary (Jack) Mackin, Kathleen (Anthony Errera), and his parents James and Nellie Colleran. He was the loving grandfather of William (Kelly), Timothy (Amy), Joan, Robert (Jessie,) and Kelly Colleran and James and Julia Weaver, and the great-grandfather of five.
After serving in Okinawa with the Seabees during World War II, and graduating from Robert Morris College, Bill worked as an accountant. But it was his deep love and knowledge of bluegrass music and his extraordinary talent as a musician that brought him and his band, Mac Martin and The Dixie Travelers, local and national fame. Together they recorded fourteen albums, played weekly in East Liberty and Oakland for over 50 years, and performed at festivals across the country. He was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame where he is listed as one of the founding fathers of Bluegrass music. Upon his retirement at age 90, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto declared a day of honor in recognition of his contribution to the local music scene and to American music.
Bill was a faithful and devout Catholic, attending Mass, praying the rosary, and reading the liturgy of the hours daily. The Diocese of Pittsburgh granted him the Manifesting the Kingdom award given to those who "demonstrate the presence of Jesus in their lives and have participated in an exceptional service to the Church."
The Colleran family wishes to thank Ms. Dee Michelucci for her loving care throughout the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the organizations at which Bill volunteered: the Jubilee Soup Kitchen (https://jubileesoupkitchen.com), the Saint Vincent De Paul Society (https://svdppitt.org) and the Saint Joseph House of Hospitality (https://www.ccpgh.org/services/housing-and-homelessness-assistance/st-joseph-house-hospitality).
Arrangements by BEINHAUER. Friends received Friday from 3:30 to 8:30 PM at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 1:00 PM at Resurrection Parish, St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church. Interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.