Obituary of Michael Joseph Colosimo

Michael Joseph Colosimo Jr. was born on May 10, 1944 to Michael and Ann Colosimo in Brooklyn, NY. A Brooklyn boy who grew up being a die-hard Giants fan and believed that Willie Mays was the greatest baseball player of all time. Mike played high school baseball and football, before receiving an academic scholarship to St. John’s University in 1962. He would later serve his country in the US Army at Schoefield Barracks on Oahu, HI. Mike married his sweetheart of 4 years, Hope Nunez and moved to Oahu in 1967, where he would raise 3 wonderful children, Dina, Vicki and Mikey. Mike held several sales positions within the orthopedic industry. One of Mike’s passions was coaching youth baseball and helped run PONY baseball in Oahu. Coach Mike, as he was known to countless boys including his son, would spend over 20 years coaching Little League baseball in Waianae and PONY baseball in Windward, Oahu. Coach Mike believed strongly in teaching the fundamentals as well as the mental aspect of baseball, helping and watching most of his players into manhood. Those who knew Coach Mike would recount his “unorthodox” coaching style with laughter, as well as his tutelage with honor and compassion. Mike later coached at Kailua High School Junior Varsity baseball program. Mike always sacrificed to make sure his children had the best education possible. He was a firm believer that education would open countless doors for children. Mike’s proudest moments were watching his children graduate from college. Mike was a man who loved life, his family and friends. Mike’s gift to his friends was his annual Christmas Eve party, which he held for over 30 years. Mike would cook a fabulous Italian dinner, which would take him 2 to 3 days to lovingly prepare. Mike and Hope left Hawaii in 2003 for Tacoma, WA to be closer to their growing families. Upon retiring, Mike began growing flower gardens, infusing oils and vinegars for family and friends and caring for and watching his three grandsons grow up. Mike and Hope enjoyed taking their day trips throughout Washington State, attending pop and jazz concerts as well as the symphony. One of Mike’s biggest thrills of his life was attending Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL in 2009. Mike battled bladder cancer with a courageous zeal, but humorous vanity, due to his hair loss. Mike lost his battle on May 5, 2010 with his loving family and courageous wife by his side. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Hope, daughters Dina Colosimo, Vicki Asaeli (Ishmael) and son, Michael “Mikey” Colosimo. Grandsons Miles and Cole Thomas and Andrew Asaeli and two granddaughters on the way. Brother, Richard Colosimo (Sheila Jean) of Virginia, Brother-in-Law Charles Nunez (Maritza) of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Mike will be remembered for his wit, ready smile, his love of cooking, his adventurous nature and the pride and love he had for his family. Mike will be missed and loved by many. May his memory live within each of you who knew and loved him. Service will be private a celebration of his life and will be held on June 19, 2010 at 3:00pm in Lakewood. A celebration will be held in Hawaii at a later date. For more information, please contact the family.