Francis A. Collova, age 85, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2008, at his residence. He was born to the late Carl and Elizabeth (Nee: Sarto) Collova on October 3, 1922. He attended Racine schools and lived in Racine for over 83 years. On May 8, 1948, he married Catherine Herrmann at St. George Church in Kenosha.
Francis was employed as a pipefitter for Plumbers & Fitters Local Union 118, serving for 38 years and as a member for over 50 years. He was elected to the Executive Board and Apprenticeship Committee, serving more than 15 years. He also held the position of Vice President.
Francis was very active in his community: working for Habitat for Humanity, Skillbank; serving on the Advisory Committee and Long Term Planning Committee. After his retirement in 1986, he worked until 2006 in job-related employment.
He served as President of the Racine A.C.E.S. (a dance organization) and also was President of Interfaith Singles and Parents without Partners. In addition, he was a member of the East Side Tennis Club. He was also active with community meals at St. Patrick’s on a weekly basis. Other service groups he belonged to were the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Club.
Francis was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church his entire life. He worked on many committees. For 32 years, he was President of the Holy Name Society. He sang with both the Sunday and funeral choirs. He also lectured at Masses. He was very active, working at Lenten fish frys, the annual festival and many Holy Name events, including the smokers and Mothers’ Day breakfast.
His wife preceded him in death in 1966. An infant daughter died in 1950.
He is survived by his daughter, Beth, son-in-law, John, and his grandson, Steven Augustyniak. His remaining family consists of three sisters: Ursula (James) Christopherson, Emma Nepper and friend Margaret Frisch, and Ruth (Jerome) Miller. His sister, Charlotte (Rodney) Bybee, preceded him in death in 2006, as did her husband in the same year. His brother, August, passed away in 2000. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special recognition is given to his dear friends: Florence Swiatek, Mike Quinn and Ruben Fuentes. Francis will be dearly missed by family and friends, including his four-legged pal, Sparky.
Francis will be remembered for his outgoing personality, sense of humor, strong work ethic (working until 83 plus years), dedicated volunteerism, love for music, dance and playing tennis; enjoying happy times with family members and his outstanding loyalty to Sacred Heart Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue, Saturday August 2, 2008, at 10 a.m., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Ms. Dorothy Wisniewski, an opera singer, will sing two special songs requested by Francis at his Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Friday evening from 4-7 p.m. (prayer service will start at 6:30 p.m. given by Ms. Barbara Sharp) and at the church Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Congregation and to the Sacred Heart Choirs.
A very special thanks to Aseracare Hospice staff and volunteers, and Home Instead for all the compassionate care that was given. It was greatly appreciated. Our hearts hold a very important place for all of you.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment