Honoring the Memory
of Those
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June 29, 1942 - December 25, 2017

Colonnese, Clement F., Jr.

Clement F. Colonnese, Jr. of Erie, PA (formerly of Deland, Fl) died peacefully at home Monday, December 25th, surrounded by his family. The son of Clement Sr. and Gertrude (Bott) Colonnese, Clement was born June 29, 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA. He is survived by his wife Brenda (Hinman), daughter Michelle Totleben (John) with whom he resided, daughter Suzanne Parker, son Christopher Colonnese, all of Erie, PA, daughter Michelle Colonnese (James Flatley) of South Carolina, sisters Patricia Gardner and Joyce Paschl of Pittsburgh and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Clement attended South High and South High Vocational School in Pittsburgh and was a US Army veteran, honorably discharged in 1961. He held many jobs over his lifetime, from steel work to retail management, but his real gift was as an entrepreneur who made his own way. Since 1971, he owned a variety of businesses, starting with A.A. Canine Coiffure in Pittsburgh, PA. His last and longest running venture reflected his love of photography and cameras with Clem's Classic Cameras shop in Daytona Beach, established in 1992 and still going. Pride in his Italian heritage inspired Clem to learn Italian and visit Italy, seeking out his family's hometown of Nocera Terinese. He visited numerous times over the past 20 years, meeting cousins and making new friends. One of his many interests and hobbies included tropical fish. He maintained beautiful aquariums in his home and built numerous ponds on his property. He also loved history and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War. He was a generous man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was unique and will be missed by family and friends. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, Friday, December 29, 2017, from 3-7 p.m. where a blessing service will be held on Saturday morning at 11. Please send condolences to www.johnfslater.com.