Lawrence Colassacco, 81, of Peshtigo,WI passed away peacefully Monday, April 20, 2015, at his home with his wife of nearly 52 years by his side. He was born April 13, 1934 in Ironwood, Mich. to Fiore and Anna Colassacco.

Larry married Mary Ann Dennison June 8, 1963, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville, Wis.
Larry was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School, Ironwood, Mich. and furthered his education at Michigan Tech, General Motors Institute; he received a Bachelor of Science at UW Superior and Masters from University of Dayton.
He discovered the love of teaching first at Elcho, then Port Washington, and in 1964 established his home in the Peshtigo School system. As a math teacher, Advisor for National Honors Society, and a Senior Class Advisor, Mr. Colassacco impacted many lives and provided a foundation for all our futures, investing his time in the value of education. This valued mentor, leader, and educator retired in 1996 from Peshtigo Schools.

Larry enjoyed many things besides teaching, like gardening, sports, and camping trips from the east to the west ends of the USA with many trips to the lakes of northern Wisconsin and the shores of Lake Superior. Some of Larry's favorite times with his family were at the cottage reminiscing and telling stories about times that have gone by. The grandchildren would just sit and listen to the stories he told, the songs that were sung while going to the dump, or the stories about fishing with his dad while camping. The grandchildren always listen because, at the end the story, it always ended in "you know what, you know what, I love You!" Prior to retirement, he enjoyed the drive to Alaska and a ferry ride back with Mary. After retiring, he traveled to Italy. His caring and compassionate nature has effected many people and will be missed by many more.

Larry is survived by his wife, Mary;
three daughters: Ann (Scot) Cameron and their children: Amanda (Eric) and Garrett;
Tammy (Lee) Backman and children: Kaitlyn and Matthew;
Kathy (Doug) Grun and their children: John, Jennifer, Lexie, James;
a son, Larry (Tammy) Colassacco and their children: Lance, Vincent, Ellie and Onika;
two brothers: Robert (Kitti) Colassacco and William (Vivian) Colassacco;
sisters-in-law, Florence Dennison and Hilda Dennison.

He was preceded in death by, his parents: Fiore and Anna (Consie) Colassacco; a sister Jackie Alexandroni; nephew William (Billy) Colassacco; brothers-in-law: Robert, John, Earl T., James Dennison and Louis Alexandroni; and a sister-in-law, Grace Dennison.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 24, at Berth & Rosenthal Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, at St. Mary Catholic Church from 9 a.m until Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. with Father Robert Karuhn. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Peshtigo.
©Marinette EagleHerald, April 22, 2015 pg 5
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