Joseph "Joe" Frank Colonno's Obituary
Joseph “Joe” Frank Colonno, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away March 4, 2024 at age 80 following a brief illness. He was born May 5, 1943 to Dominic and Teresa Colonno in Salt Lake City. Joe married Ellen Glaser on March 25, 1963 and they had four children: Dominic Colonno, Teresa Nielsen, Tina (Daniel) Zvonek, and Drew Flinders (Athena Chavarria). He was a proud grandfather to Ashley (Ryan) Cowan, Brittany (Michael) Anderson, Ellia Flinders and Evan Flinders as well as three great-grandchildren: RD, Reagan, and Rory.
After attending West High School, Joe studied at Salt Lake Trade Technical Institute and achieved his metal fabrication certificate. He went on to become a boilermaker at Kennecott Copper Mine where he retired after 27 years. Along the way, Joe founded and operated Armagon Inc., where he designed and fabricated wood burning stoves and ornamental iron structures which can still be seen at many homes around the valley. You would always find Joe with his brother-in-law Charles Glaser in all these endeavors. We can still hear him say, “I bet I could build that.”
Joe was very proud of his Italian heritage and loved visiting with family and friends. He enjoyed reminiscing and passing along colorful stories from his past and family upbringing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and son-in-law, Jerry Nielsen. He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, siblings: Catherine (James dec.) Hyde, Sam (Brenda dec.) Colonno, Camilla (Dennis) Canham, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
The viewing will be held at Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home, 372 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 on Sunday, March 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (rosary from 7-7:30). Catholic mass services will be Monday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1058 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum (4th Ave and T St) with a luncheon back at St. Patrick’s Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity near and dear to your heart.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph "Joe"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph "Joe"?
Share a story where Joseph "Joe"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph "Joe" you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph "Joe" make you smile?
