Obituary of Robert Colantuoni

Robert “Bob” S. Colantuoni, Sr., retired owner of Colmac Recovery Service, passed away with his children at his bedside on Saturday morning, March 24, 2018. He was 85 years old. Bob was born in East Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Samuel and Ida Colantuoni. He grew up and was educated in East Boston. He then went on to attend Burdett Business School. He was also a Veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the 8th Radio Squadron in the United States Air Force and held the rank of Airman Third Class. Bob owned and operated Colmac Recovery Service from 1971 to 1990. He had a host of clients including Filenes, Grossmans, Shawmut Bank and numerous other large and small businesses where he handled their bill collections. It was a unique profession, and over the years, he accrued countless memorable stories and adventures that he shared with family and friends. His previous positions were in the finance departments of Household Finance Corporation and Seaboard Finance Company. He also worked a second job nights for many years as a baggage handler at Logan Airport to give his family a little more indulgences . Bob’s big stature was complimented by his larger than life style. He loved being the center of attention, making people laugh, and raising the excitement level a few notches. He was a huge Frank Sinatra fan and went to a number of his shows over the years. Bob even came across 10 front row seats for he and his family and, by chance, Sinatra ended up serenading his daughter. Bob had silver tongue and perfected the skill of schmoozing. Right up to his final days, Bob was singing his Frank Sinatra songs and making all those around him laugh. Bob was simply a fun person to be with. He hosted cookouts, holidays, and other celebrations with great food, singing, and endless games of Bocce. He was a fantastic chef and made all the great Italian dishes including homemade raviolis, eggplant, cutlets, and a delicious Sunday sauce. He was a huge Red Sox and Patriots fan. His best friend was his brother, Paul – they did everything together. Growing up with a dad like Bob was memorable! He shared so many adventures with his kids. Sometimes, it was difficult to distinguish who was having more fun, or who was the adult in the group. Bob had a great devotion to his wife, Rita. They were married in 1958 and moved to Burlington and 1972. Bob and Rita’s personalities truly complimented each other and they made a wonderful couple. A bit of Bob’s spark was lost when Rita passed at the age of 51 in 1981. He would move to Deerfield Beach in 1991 and spent 17 years in Florida. In 2008, with some health issues, it was time for him to return to New England to be closer to all his family. As his health declined, his children and grandchildren were at his side bolstering the man who loved them tremendously. Bob brightened their lives with laughter and love. His memory and folklore will continue in the hearts of all his family and friends. Robert was the beloved husband of the late Rita (Mombourquette) Colantuoni. He was the loving father of Roberta Caron of Nashua, Laura Hillis & her husband Doug of N. Attleborough, and Robert Colantuoni, Jr. & his wife Joyce of New Ipswich, NH. He was the brother of George of Cape Coral, FL, Barbara Rossi of Pompano Beach, FL, and the late Attorney Paul Collanton. He was also survived by 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Wednesday, March 28 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Robert’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham MA 02452 or www.alz.org. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.saintmargaretburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net