Mario J. Colonna, 78, of Carbondale, PA, died Friday, March 22, 2024 at home, after an illness.

Born July 30, 1945 in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Louise Manfredi Colonna and the late Frank Colonna.

Mario was a 1963 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale. He and his brother were both talented musicians and they formed the band the Freddie Cole Revue, which became one of the busiest opening acts in the 60's and 70's in Las Vegas and Miami. Mario was the band's guitarist and vocalist. For 15 years, Mario rubbed elbows with the most famous entertainers in the World. He had breakfast with Walt Disney, drinks with Frank Sinatra, and was a friend of Elvis Presley, working with his back-up band and being invited to Graceland. The group also accompanied Bob Hope on two USO tours.

Mario later became fleet manager of Pompey Dodge in Clifford, and a salesman for Ruby Ford, in Carbondale, and Zipay Pontiac-Buick in Eynon. He later retried from Specialty Records/Wea Manufacturing in Olyphant, PA. In later years, Mario had a fixation for working on picture puzzles and always found comfort in the companionship of his puppies, Brittany, Shiloh, Marianna and Rizzo.

He is survived by his son: Fred Colonna of Carbondale, PA; three grandchildren: Logan, Rylee and Addison Colonna; and several cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his brother: Fred Colonna.

The funeral was held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 89 Farview Street, Carbondale, PA, with a blessing service by Rev. Seth D. Wasnock, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, PA. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

Pallbearers: Logan Colonna, C.J. Lewis, Hunter Mursch, Matthew Wheeler, Paul McDonald and James Buckley.

Friends called Monday, April 1, 2024 from 3-7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.