Louis Colone Jr.

Louis (Louie) was born in Oneonta, graduating from Oneonta High School before joining the NYS National Guard. He met and began dating the love of his life, Beverly McDonough in high school. They married in 1960 and raised a family of four ambitious and busy boys.

Louie was a dedicated and proud member of the Oneonta Fire Department, retiring with the rank of Captain. He spent 35 years as a firefighter, often putting his life in danger for others alongside his fellow firefighters. He was well respected and regarded with fondness by the entire firefighter family. It was routine for his family to hear Louie running out of the house in the middle of the night only to wake up to his smokey gear hanging in the entry from the fire he responded to, an experience so common to our firefighter families.

Louie had many talents and was a well-known drummer in the region whom the great Al Gallodoro once called the human metronome because he never missed a beat. With the Colone extended family being so large in the area, it was easiest for Beverly and the boys to identify which Colone family they were by stating they were with “Louie the Firefighter” or “Louie the drummer”.

During the boys’ school years, it was common to see their dedicated father showing up to their sporting or musical events in uniform and the Fire Chief’s car, ready to run if his crew received an emergency call. He always prioritized family, friends, and the NY Yankees although he never agreed with any decisions made by the managers and waited for a call from Steinbrenner so he could help set them straight.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Josephine Colone, and sisters Philomena Naples and Angelina Ennamorato. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 64 years, Beverly, and sons Joseph (Scott) of Durham, NC, Thomas of Charlotte, NC, Michael (Pam) of Clifton Park, and James (Terri) of Syracuse; grandchildren Andrew (Hannah), Nicholas (Lacee), Angelina, Jacqueline, Kathryn, and Natalia; great-grandchildren Michael and Fern; his brother Mark (Armida) Colone, brothers in-law William (Susan) McDonough and Andy Ennamorato, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank family, neighbors, and caregivers who helped Beverly and Louie with his care.

Calling hours will be private at the request of the family. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 39 Walnut Street in Oneonta, on Monday October 21st at 10 o’clock. Contributions can be made in Louie’s name to the OFD Rescue Fund, 81 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, attn: Chief Knapp or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta NY 13820.

Online condolences may be made at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.