Obituary of Michael W. Collesano

Michael W. Collesano, age 97 of Lewiston, died Sunday February 23, 2014 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. Michael was born August 1, 1916 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Michael and Stefania (Fillicita) Collesano and lived all of his life in Lewiston. He was a 1934 graduate of the Lewiston Red Brick School and had attended Niagara University. A WW II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Michael enlisted in April of 1942 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in October of 1945. He had served as a member of the Marine Corps Air-Wing Division and was stationed at Guadalcanal in the Western Pacific from 1943 to 1945, taking part in a number of bombing, strafing operations. After his discharge in North Carolina, he married Mildred Radick in Beaufort, NC and returned to Lewiston. Mildred predeceased him in 2002. Michael was always involved in sales. In 1947 he opened and operated Michael's Appliance Store on Center St. in Lewiston. From 1960 to 1965 he operated Buffalo Haberdasher Hat Store in Buffalo. Later in the 1960's Michael ran Michael's Pizza, also on Center St. in Lewiston. He then worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles in Niagara Falls under Stuart Comerford for several years. Michael became a Real Estate Agent and worked for his sister and her husband, Dan & Lucy Wilson Realtors in Youngstown where he was also an Associate Director of the area Board of Realtors. Mr. Collesano was the oldest living member of the V.F.W. Downriver Post #7487 and a 66 year member of the American Legion CC Kinney Post #1083 of Lewiston. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by three sisters, Lucy Wilson, Rose Collesano, and Clara Monte; and three brothers, Frank J., Austin, and William Collesano. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Friday from 5 - 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, at 9:30 am in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St. Lewiston, followed by Military Honors. (Please assemble at Church) In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094 or to the Historical Association of Lewiston, PO Box 43, Lewiston, NY 14092.