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Dominic Colaizzo Obituary

Dominic A. Colaizzo, 70, of Philadelphia, passed away Monday, October 7, 2019, in Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, surrounded by his beloved family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rachael Lanzetta; his children, Matthew Lee Colaizzo and Gina Rae Colaizzo; his loving aunt, Antoinette Colaizzo; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He grew up in Canonsburg, a son of Annabelle and Giovina Colaizzo, and was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Marie DeBone and her husband Jerry DeBone.

In 1966, he graduated from Canon-McMillan High School and served as the student council president. Dominic earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Washington & Jefferson College and completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. He served in the military with distinction and rose to the rank of captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dominic earned an MBA in healthcare administration from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.

He held his first position as assistant administrator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He continued his career at Taylor Hospital, where he worked as vice president, with the administrative team for nine years. Dominic continued his career in the healthcare industry working at the former Alexander & Alexander Services, subsequently acquired by Aon Insurance Group. In 2011, he was named chairman of the National Health Care Practice. Throughout his career, he taught at various institutions and contributed his expertise to higher education by writing a chapter in the textbook, "Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations."

Dominic was an active member of St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and as a member of the finance council. During his free time, he enjoyed golf, home improvement projects and spending time with family and friends, especially trips to Rosello, Italy (Abruzzo), the birthplace of his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held October 13 in St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church. Dominic was laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip Neri Church, 218 Queen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.





To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by Observer-Reporter on Oct. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dominic Colaizzo

Not sure what to say?





Ellen L Barton

October 3, 2022

Still missing Dominic.
This photo was taken in April 2018 in Philadelphia at Don“s retirement party.

Andy McIlvaine

February 11, 2020

Dominic was the best of us. Those who knew him at Washington and Jefferson remember his unique sense of humor, his care for others, and his commitment to excellence in all he did. We will miss you at our 50th reunion, my dear friend. "Mac"

Len Sokoloff

January 28, 2020

Just read about Dominic's passing in the W&J newsletter. My condolences to your family. I was with Dominic in ROTC and the Pershing Rifles at W&J. I haven't seen him since our college days, but there are just some guys you can't forget.

Len Sokoloff
W&J Class of 1969

lARRY SIMMS

October 16, 2019

Piera and i along with our beloved friend Dom went back many years to our teens. We could have not seen Dom for years and yet pick up with each other like it was yesterday.We cry for you today. Our eternal friend. Best to all the family. Larry and Piera Simms

Mark Otto

October 12, 2019

Jesus wants us to be servant leaders and Dom was one. Well done, Dom. Miss you and love you.

David De Simone

October 11, 2019

Heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dominic but so fortunate like so many to know him and learn so much from him. His love for his family was above all especially Rachel, Matthew and Gina but he made many of us feel like family. He was an innovator in the insurance industry but his greatest strengths were his love for people. Will cherish the great dinners we had with Dom, having fresh figs at his home in Brigantine and his interaction with my son over his love of cars.

Tom Cody

October 11, 2019

What a guy.

Andrew Faber

October 11, 2019

Dom was generational thinker and nationally respected leader in the medical malpractice area. He was a mentor to many. Gave so much effort on behalf of his clients. More importantly, he was a great guy. I always enjoyed my time with Dom, whether it was in an important client meeting or later around a great Italian dinner in Philly. Dom, we will miss you. Thanks for everything you did for us professionally & personally.
Andy Faber

Treasured Tribute Wreath

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Ellen Barton

October 11, 2019

Dear Rachel, Matthew, and Gina,

Dominic was a blessing to all who knew him. As much as I will miss him, I know you'll miss him more. He loved you all so well but not nearly long enough.
I am comforted to know that God has raised him up on eagle's wings, there he is the breath of dawn, made him to shine like the sun and God holds him in the palm of his hand.
I count him among the angels to look after all who loved him.
Deepest sympathy,

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

Natalie Corapi

Sent Flowers

Kim, Mike, and David Martin

October 10, 2019

Rachel, Matthew, and Gina,
Dom was the kindest, most generous, and loving friend anyone could have. The world is a little darker without his shining smile. You are all in our thoughts and sorry we can't be there in person. Our hearts are broken.
Blessed Be

Pure Opulence Luxury Bouquet  - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Judy Hart

October 10, 2019

Rachael, Matthew and Gina, I would like to extend my sincere sympathy for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with Dom for many years as a fellow employee and underwriter. He not only excelled in what he did from a business perspective, he touched many lives from a personal perspective including mine. Well done my friend. May you Rest In Peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and Prayers. Judy Hart.

Wilda Seymour

October 10, 2019

My condolences to Dom's family. "May time heal your sorrow. May friends help ease your pain. May peace replace heartache. And may warmest memories remain."

The Board Coastal Medical Insurance Ltd.

October 10, 2019

With deepest regrets over the loss of a friend and colleague, Dominic Colaizzo

Treasured Tribute Wreath

Kamla Wakefield

Sent Flowers

Terry Power

October 10, 2019

Our sincerest regrets over the loss of a very good friend from all at Dyna Management in Bermuda.

Pure Opulence Luxury Bouquet  - VASE INCLUDED

Kamla Wakefield

Sent Flowers

Ahmad Shadman

October 10, 2019

Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Dom was a fantastic person and a great professional. May he rest in peace!

The Spirited Grace Lily Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Ahmad Shadman

Sent Flowers

Loving Light Dishgarden

William Longo

Sent Flowers

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Rick Chiocchi

October 10, 2019

To my mentor and friend, I will miss you dearly. Please save a bottle of wine and good dinner for us all when we have the chance to meet again.

Bill & Judy DeBone

October 9, 2019

Rachael, Matthew and Gina:

Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your husband and father. We have many fond memories of Dominic growing up in Canonsburg. When his late sister, Anna Marie, married my brother, Joseph, we considered all of the Colaizzo family as our family. We have so many great memories of spending the Fourth of July in Canonsburg and enjoying all of the festivities. Many years ago on a trip to Philadelphia, Judy and I plus our kids fondly remember the great hospitality shown to us by Dominic and Rachel and the pride he had for "his city". The time spent there was truly a memory maker. We are so saddened by your loss. God Bless you and rest well Dom.

Anthony Palmieri

October 9, 2019

I remember the early years with Dominic and our families together in Canonsburgh and Carrick . The love both families had for each other . His love of family was always so profound . RIP Dominic My prayers will always be for you and your family . Love you

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Renae Flanders

October 9, 2019

I worked with Dom for 22 years and just so sad to hear this news. My condolences to the whole family. Sending much love.

Antoinette & Don Bacik

October 9, 2019

Have known him since birth. and baptism. watched him grow and develop to a wonderful loving, successful and humble man. He made his loving parents and all of us who loved him very proud!
Love and great sympathy for your loss.
Antoinette (Palmieri) & Don Bacik

Brad Gabbard

October 9, 2019

As an insurance professional in the health care industry, I knew Dom a long time, stemming from my employment with Aon in the early 90's. He was tremendously respected in our industry both as a person and professionally. I was very sorry to hear about his passing.

AAntoinette & Donald Bacik

October 9, 2019

Dear Rachel, Micheal, and Gina,
Our deepest sympathy and love to each of you for this great loss of a wonderful man, husband, father, son and all who loved and shared their lives with him over his life time. My parents , his godparents, loved him like a son.

We will remember him forever. Comare Clorida's birthday is Oct, 7

Hope Heals Luxury Bouquet   - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

October 9, 2019

Rachel, Matthew and Gina:
Our hearts are aching for you all with the loss of your husband and father, the matriarch of your family. He was such a good man and role model!
Unfortunately, we are constantly reminded of just how short life is and that there is never enough time:-((
Thank God for the wonderful memories you all have to ponder and reminisce upon.
Our thoughts and prayer are with you at this time of great sorrow. Til we meet again, may Dominic rest in peace in the arms of the Lord and celebrate his new life with family and friends that have gone before him.
With love and deep condolences...
Anna Maria and Alex

Dominic Colaizzo, Joe and Mark Otto

Joe Otto

October 9, 2019

Dominic Colaizzo, Joe & Mark Otto

Joe Otto

October 9, 2019

Rachel, Gina and Matthew,

We know that you know well, and better than us, what a marvelous husband, Father and man Dom was - and is!

We knew him as an outstanding, perhaps unique, professional, colleague, business associate, teacher and friend with impeccable integrity. Further, and now most importantly, a man of spirit and faith with whom we will once again soon greet over Eternity. As Dom's legacy, you have not only him, but his share in all he left with many throughout the world - but mostly his example, spirit and faith. Joe, Nancy, & Mark Otto

Michael Zuckerman

October 9, 2019

Rachel, Matthew, and Gina,

We are so sorry to hear about Dom's passing. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Dom was great. We are blessed to have known him. Tre Scalini and the Fitzwater Cafe will not be the same. We will miss him.


Much love to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jan and Michael
The Levine/Zuckerman Family

October 9, 2019

Rachel, Matt and Gina, my deepest condolences. I have worked with Dom for the past 30 years, he always had a positive attitude and was wonderful to work with . He will be deeply missed. My heart is broken. Patty Woods

Crystal R. Brown

October 9, 2019

Dominic was well respected in the medical liability insurance community. He was a mentor to us all. I personally appreciate the time that he spent with me over the years and the opportunities that we were able to work on together.

I know his star is shining bright and his legacy will live on.

I am keeping the family in my prayers. Please continue to celebrate his life.

Renee Very

October 9, 2019

My earliest memory of Dominic was looking up at him as a little girl. We were standing in the narrow hall between Comare Giovina and Compare Annibale's living room and stairs. He was tall, handsome, and in his military uniform during his time at W&J. I always looked up to Dominic. He stood tall in so many ways: education, family, work and principle. Our deepest sympathies go out those closest to him, Rachel, Matthew, Gina, Antoinette and all the nieces and nephews who gathered in Canonsburg. Although your life was cut too short, the Lord's mission was a job well done. R.I.P. Dominic.

October 9, 2019

Rachel, Dom was a great colleague during my years at A&A and Aon. He graciously invited me to dinner at your home when I was working with him in Philly and I got to meet you and your children. My son and Matthew are the same age and when I ran into Dom in later years at industry events he always asked about Greg. He was a lovely man and gone from this earth way too soon. I will be praying for you and your family.
Dana Switzer

Paula DiGiacomo

October 9, 2019

Rachael, My heart is broken and so sad for your loss. You, Matt and Gina are in my thoughts and prayers. Dom was a great husband, father and friend. He will be missed. Much love. Paula

Ned and Denise Zechman

October 9, 2019

Our deepest condolences to Rachel, Matthew and Gina. Dom will truly be missed by many.

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St. Philip Neri Church

218 Queen St., Philadelphia, PA

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218 Queen St., Philadelphia, PA

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St. Philip Neri Church

218 Queen St., Philadelphia, PA

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781 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

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