Anthony "Tony" Colangelo

Anthony "Tony" Colangelo, 88, of Hazleton passed away Wednesday.

The son of the late Luigi and Anna (Marion) Colangelo.

Tony is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Pisane), who took care of him with a diligence only known to RNs. He is also survived by his son, Attorney Anthony Colangelo Jr., Pittsburgh, his wife, Kerri, and son, Primo; and by his daughter, Carla Colangelo, Allentown, and her husband, Frank Bielen. Also surviving is his sister, Lucille Chizmar and her husband, Joe; and sister-in-law, Nancy (Louis) Colangelo. Tony leaves many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and friends dear to his heart.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his beloved brothers, Louis and Rocco.

A natural born leader, Tony served as class president and was named "Mr. Hazle Twp." of the Class of 1950 of Hazle Twp. High School. While a student, he often worked long hours at his family grocery store, including making overnight trucking runs to Philadelphia for produce. He enjoyed sharing stories of those times. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Quality Beverage Distributors of Hazleton in 1952, which he and his brothers grew to a wholesale distributorship, serving 7½ counties and employing over 25 people. Building a business took shrewdness and perseverance, as well as physical strength (more stories there!). Tony was a founding member of PIMDA (PA Importing Distributor Association) and served many years as a director of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association of PA. He built many long-term relationships and garnered the respect of colleagues as well as competitors. Quality Beverage won numerous industry awards, giving Tony and Pat the opportunity to visit far away places in high style. Tony's favorite beer was Guinness, though he'd drink anything, even "out-of-code" product.

Tony was the president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1963. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Penn State Alumni Society and Penn State Presidents Club and enjoyed many bus trips to Happy Valley games. He was also an avid fan of boxing, organizing road trips with his buddies to the Blue Horizon in Philly. Tony never failed to return to Hazleton without an overflowing carload of Italian specialties that he would share with family, Quality Beverage employees and friends.

His Catholic faith was fundamental to him. A member of Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Tony attended Mass daily at various area churches in person pre-COVID-19 (and in front of the television thereafter). He was a financial advisor to his parish and was also a member of the Holy Name Society. He attended the Men of Malvern spiritual retreats for almost 60 years in a row, recruiting many new members for the LJ Ferdinand Men of Malvern Group.

Tony relished competing - in fingers tournaments, playing pinochle, bowling or with his Tony's Tigers fantasy football team. He loved music, especially Big Band, and played the accordion when he was a youngster. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by family and friends, accompanied by a jug of wine, some chestnuts, sharing stories of his life.

Tony was a loving husband, compassionate father and grandfather and beloved uncle. He was generous to his friends, family and community and he will be deeply missed.

Due to COVID-19, services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences at www

.moranfuneralhome.com.