Thomas Joseph “Pop” Colasanto, age 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Season’s Hospice at Christiana Care in Newark, DE surrounded by his family.

Mr. Colasanto was born in Harrison, NY, of Italian Immigrants and was raised in Brooklyn, NY. He married Mary-Jo LiBretto in 1938. During WW II, as a U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class, he served as a gunners mate aboard the Stephen C. Foster, a Merchant Marine vessel carrying munitions in the dangerous waters of the North Atlantic, and later in the Pacific Theater.

After the War, Mr. & Mrs. Colasanto moved to Freeport, Long Island, New York, to raise their two sons. He worked in the Garment Industry in the 50’s and then as a Produce Manager for a supermarket in the 60’s. Mr. Colasanto then returned to the garment industry as a presser for ladies dresses and retired in 1981.

Upon retirement Mr. & Mrs. Colasanto moved to Elkton, Md. Mr. Colasanto’s wife of 54 years died in 1992. Between 1982 and 1996, he was often seen at Harbour North Marina helping his son Tom, owner of Harbour North, doing odd jobs.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph Colasanto and his wife Eleanor of Surprise, AZ and Thomas M. Colasanto, formerly of Chesapeake City and now Deerfield Beach, FL; his younger sister, Victoria Ventricelli of Schaumburg, IL; six grandchildren and eleven great grand children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 26, 2012 at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, 455 Bow St., Elkton, MD 21921. Friends and family may visit 6-8 pm on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at R.T. Foard F.H., 259 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921. Burial will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Chesapeake City, MD. Memorial contributions can be made in Thomas’ honor to Wounded Warriors c/o the funeral home.