Jacqueline & Nicholas Colonnesi

Jacqueline (Novak) Colonnesi and Nicholas Colonnesi, Jr were joined for life on May 9, 1959. After a lifetime of love and devotion to each other and their family, Jesus welcomed them into eternity – Mom on Sunday, February 17, 2019, and Dad a week later on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

Jackie was born on June 8th – I can’t mention the year because, well, because she was old enough to know better but too young to resist. She was the youngest daughter born to Edward and Edna Novak (deceased) and little sister to Georgia “Dolly” (Jim – deceased) Peacock Hirschberger (deceased) and Doris (Ted – deceased) Mijal who, according to all involved, loved to tease and scare her when her parents went out.

Nick was born on January 4, 1934 – and he would routinely remind you by saying, “Hey, in 8 months (or 6, or 11, or whatever) it’s my birthday!” Born to Nicholas and Philomena Colonnesi (deceased), little brother to Maria (Bruno – deceased) Capitanio, his early years were filled with fantastic stories that are probably not fit for a respectable obituary.

Jackie was an executive secretary whose shorthand frustrated her children incessantly when she would write out her christmas list and leave it on the kitchen table, knowing neither child could understand a single character. Her typing skills were renowned and her bosses often wondered if they should dictate to her in shorthand, or just walk out to her typewriter and speak, skipping an unnecessary step.

Nick was the hardest working man who ever lived. Private Nicholas Colonnesi, Jr had the distinction of serving with the 84th Tank Battalion as a Track Vehicle Mechanic and received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter (M-1) Badge, and Marksman (Carbine) Badge. He served during the Korean War from 1953 – 1956 and attained the rank of Specialist 3rd Class. Nick could fix anything – and that was in the days before online manuals and youtube. If it squeaked, he oiled it. If if was loose, he tightened it. If the pipe leaked, he sweated it. If it needed re-wiring, he did it. If it had a broken engine, he repaired it. And if it needed building, he built it. He retired from Ford only to earn his builders license and build two spec houses.

When Nick met Jackie it was love at first sight, and by the third date, Dad said he was going to marry that girl. He did, and they welcomed children Jeffrey (Eizabeth) and Jillian (Larry Malan) who gave them much joy and many grey hairs. Nick and Jackie put their faith in Jesus Christ and passed down the practice of that faith to their children and grandchildren.

Nick and Jackie were excellent hosts. Stories of their dinners with multiple main entrees and far, far too much food will live on in perpetuity. From October through April mom would go through 150 lbs of flour with her extensive baking. Then came grape jelly season, and after that came the tomatoes. When asked how his mom made sauce, Jeff replied, “Well, she takes two bushels of tomatoes and one bushel of peppers, and then…” Everyone in the neighborhood who “turned the crank” at least once during tomato season was eligible for a spaghetti dinner.

Perhaps the only thing Nick and Jackie loved more than each other and the Lord, was their family, and their grandchildren brought them special joy. Being consummate hosts, they loved that all their grandchildren were excellent cooks. They were so proud of Angel Colonnesi and looked forward to her college graduation next year. They always commented on Nick Malan’s generous and kind heart, and Olivia Malan’s maturity. They adored Leo Malan’s smile and silliness.

Family and friends of Nick and Jackie are welcome on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Church, 17635 Dequindre Road, in Troy at 10 am for visitation with the funeral service following at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, Fenton, Building Fund; The American Heart Association; The American Diabetes Association; or the charity of your choice.

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