Remo Colasante

REMO “RAY” COLASANTE age 81, beloved husband of Carol (Dunlevy) (nee Vitale); loving father of Christina, Michael, Kelley Dunlevy, Dianna Dunlevy-Seufer (husband Mark), and Leo Jr. Dunlevy (wife Kristine); devoted grandfather of Megan (Albright) Moran (husband Collin), Olivia Seufer, Gabriella, Leo III, and Dominic Dunlevy and great-grandfather of Jack Moran; cherished son of the late Pasquale and Settimia; dearest brother of Dante (wife Victoria), twin Luciano (wife Judy), the late Giovanni (wife Adele) and Filippo; dear brother-in-law, uncle and great-uncle of many.

Remo “Ray” Colasante, of Chesterland, passed away at the age of 81 on October 6, 2019. He was a warm and benevolent presence for many, from friends and family, to his clients and employees at Colasante Landscaping, which he founded over six decades ago. Ray’s masterful gardens and yardscapes shed constant beauty onto people’s homes, and to a greater extent, their lives.

As an immigrant from the age of 18, Ray knew what hard work and American opportunity could do. To see it through, he left his mother, Settimia, three brothers in Introdacqua, Italy and headed west on a ship with his Father, Pasquale and twin brother Lou.  From the day he arrived, every day, all day, Ray was on the job carefully building a life for his family and a thriving business. Along the way, he helped his own employees and their families to realize the American dream, too, generously sponsoring them through their journey to citizenship.

Everyone will miss Ray’s big smile, quick humor and good nature. We will also miss his cooking, often with ingredients from his own plants, which he did happily even after a long day’s work. But now it’s time for Ray to rest, after so many years tending and nurturing the garden of a truly beautiful life.

Contributions may be made in memory of Ray to Hospice of the Western Reserve P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192.

Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 10 AM at St. Anselm Catholic Church 12969 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ray at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) MONDAY 2-4 & 5-8 PM.