Mark A. Colone

Mark Aurelio Colone passed away at A.O. Fox Nursing Home, November 29. He was 94 and lived a full life as a great family man and husband. He was a beloved father, a man of immense wisdom and work ethic, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones, especially his devoted wife Armida, who rarely left his side.

Mark was born September 29, 1930, in Roccavivi, Italy, the third of four children to Louis, Sr. and Josephine Colone. He joined his father in Oneonta, NY in 1933 with his two older sisters Filomena and Angelina. His brother Louis, Jr., was born 5 years later. Each passed away before him.

Armida and he were wed February 28, 1960. He was the father of twin sons Mark D. and Anthony, and the apple of his eye, daughter Maria. Aside from serving his country with the U.S. Air Force, Mark spent his adult life working with the D & H Railroad in various leadership roles while living in Oneonta. He retired in 1993 after 43 years mostly with Shop 18 and as a foreman on the railroad.

Aside from his parents, sisters, and brother, Mark was preceded in death by his son Anthony, his grandparents, and his in-laws Domenico and Lisa Romiti.

He is survived by Maria and husband Bill Torruella of Oneonta, Mark and Susan Colone of Belmont, NC, daughter-in-law Christine Colone of Fort Mill, SC, and grandchildren Logan (Ryder), Olivia, Marisa, and Matthew, sisters-in-law Beverly Colone, and Filomena Colone, and brother-in-law Andy Ennamorato, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He and Armida were robust travelers and enjoyed long drives, especially to Air Force reunions with his “friends for life”. They made sure the family took great “spring break”, and summer vacations. They loved traveling with the Charlotte 49ers basketball.

As a husband of almost 65 years to Armida his commitment to love and care for her was beautiful. A devout Catholic, he served and attended St. Mary’s Church. No matter the long hours he worked, sometimes long weekends, he made time to hit grounders and fly balls to his boys in Wilber Park. The boys always said that with neighbors Bob Decker and Kevin Deery we grew up in “Pleasantville” and he was so much a part of it.

Son Mark would like to thank Maria and Bill for their constant care of Dad in assisting Mom throughout the past two years as he was slowed by cognitive functions but remained physically able to stay at home until a stroke on July 17. The family acknowledges cousins Patrick, Fran, Sharon, Marie, and Bill for their visits, and nephew Peter for his help around the home.

He will be deeply missed but is now at peace with God.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 3 from 6-8 pm at Grummons Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10 am on December 4.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta, NY.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.