Obituary
Frank Colalella
“Cool”
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Frank (67) was called to take his place in heaven on August 22, 2022. Heaven gained a solid, honest man when it welcomed Frank. He lived his life with a smile on his face and love in his heart for everyone. He believed that there is good in everyone and was always willing to help a friend or a stranger. He passed on at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Agnes Colalella and three Uncles, Rich Colalella, John and Santo Notarandrea.
Frank was born in Steubenville on August 23, 1954, the eldest son of Frank and Agnes (Notarandrea) Colalella. Cool was a 1972 graduate of Catholic Central High School and played on the Crusaders 1971 State Championship football team. He graduated from Youngstown State University and played football before graduating with a degree in business administration.
Frank married his wife of 45 years, Donna Psensky Colalella on August 21, 1977. Frank had a passion for business and the art of sales and promotion. He eventually branched out in different areas of business but he made his mark soon after his marriage with the opening of Cool’s Hoagies. This was followed by the opening of the Red Castle Spaghetti House. Both establishments enjoyed great success.
Never one to rest on his accomplishments Frank opened up Ulta Computers in Weirton and eventually was selling computers to the Pentagon. This success allowed Frank to venture into the world of transportation by opening DLC transport with a fleet of trucks that today does business as Ohio Water Haulers. He then began Weir-Cove Taxi and bought the Bus Terminal in Weirton which also houses a Casino Café.
Frank worked his business like he lived his life. He was proud to support his many employees and considered them all family. He believed in second chances for everyone and was very generous with his time and money. Cool eventually ventured into the used car business and is co-owner of Ohio Motor Group, with locations in Steubenville and Bridgeport.
Never one to relax, Frank officiated football and basketball both for over 20 years as a member of the WVO referees association. He also was a member of the Garibaldi Club and the Theta Chi Italian Men’s fraternity, both in Follansbee WV. He loved riding his motorcycle, cruising on his boat, playing guitar, cooking Italian food, walking his dog Midnight, and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
His most cherished possessions in life were his four children whom he takes their love and memories with him; Malina Colalella, Erika Kazma, and Jessica Colalella all of Port Orange, Florida and his son Frank Colalella II of San Francisco, CA. Frank was blessed with four grandchildren who he adored, Allura, Talia, Wynter, and Octavia (Butter).
Frank is also survived by two sisters, Mary Louise Kamppi and Antoinette Elish as well as two brothers Jimmy and Paul.
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Steubenville on Saturday September 24 at 10am. Monsignor Gerald Calovini as celebrant of the memorial mass. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Frank’s name.
God be with him.
Chris Carrigg
CCHS Class of 1972