Obituary of Anthony J. Colavita

Anthony J. Colavita, 82, of Whiting, NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday July 6, 2013 surrounded by his loving family and friends at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin. Anthony was born and raised in Lawrenceville, NJ and attended Trenton High School. He served his country in the United States Army and was employed by IBM when his children were young.He later became the owner of A. Colavita Home Improvement Company until his retirement in 1991. Anthony was also known as Tony but preferred to be called “Poppy” by his beloved grandchildren. His most pleasurable memories were spending family vacations and events with his children and grandchildren. He was an active soccer coach and past Vice President of the Tom Hammett Soccer League. Anthony was a helping founder of the CYO Soccer Leagues in Mercer County and a Hall of Fame recipient in 1980. He was also a member of American Legion Post 414 for 62 years and a member of the 112th Field Artillery Association. Anthony was truly loved and spent many days in the Senior Center where he enjoyed playing Bridge. His other passions included golf and fishing. As an avid fisherman, upon his return from his many fishing trips he enjoyed sharing his catch with neighbours, friends and family. As a sports enthusiast Anthony was also a NY Giants fan and loved teasing and bantering with his sons who were fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. Son of the late Joseph and Anna Colavita, and brother of the late Joseph and Donald Colavita; he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donaline Colavita; his loving children, Phyllis and Jim Kownacki of Lawrenceville, NJ, Dawn and Dave Pinterich of Ship Bottom, NJ, Donnie and Vicki Heater of Clark, Wyoming, Anthony and Francine Colavita of East Windsor, NJ, Joseph and Nina Colavita of Norwood, PA and Mark and Rebecca Colavita of Ewing, NJ. Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren; Robert, Kendra, Rachael, Samantha, Alison, Nicholas, Tara, Amy, Melissa, Jamie, Chelsea, George, Nina, Jamie and Traci, his precious great-grand children, Bryan, Teresa, Aiden, Ryleigh, Emma, Jon, Parker, Mesa, Athena and Jaidyn; his unforgettable brother and sisters-in-laws; Charles and Patricia Bish, Donna and John Beetel, Ann Prickett, Norma Colavita, Dorothy Bish and his loving Aunt Frances Gower. Anthony was also survived by so many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and will always be remembered by his friendly demeanor, generosity and kind-heartedness. Anthony Colavita will truly be missed. Anyone who knew Anthony loved Anthony. The family would like to also express a “Thank You” to the doctors and staff of Southern Ocean County Medical Center and Meridian Hospice for all the loving care they provided to Anthony and his family and friends. Funeral services for Anthony will begin on Thursday at 10 AM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM at the Church of St. Ann. Burial will follow in Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 6 to 9 PM at the funeral home. Due to cemetery restrictions of not allowing flowers, memorial contributions in Anthony’s honor would be preferred to the Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or to Meridian Hospice, 80 Nautilus Dr, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. For directions or to offer a condolence to the family please visit www.poulsonvanhise.com