James Colaianne

James Colaianne, of Elizabeth, formerly of Wexford, Pa., age 75, passed in hospice, Thursday June 6, 2024. He had a long career as a chemical engineer, serving as a project manager for Sunoco, US Steel’s Aristech Chemical Division, Dravo, and Proctor and Gamble, which included assignments in South America and Europe. He was the son of the late Samuel R. and Eda Porreca Colaianne. Born on Jan. 2, 1949, Jim was a native of Apollo, Pa., and a 1966 graduate of Apollo High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity and one of the organizers of the fraternity’s annual “Walk to Pittsburgh” to benefit Children’s Hospital.  He earned a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering from Penn State University.  He was a veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard. As a young man, Jim was a legendary and fearless white-water kayaker and guide on the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, Pa, working for Laurel Highlands Outfitters and Mountain Streams and Trails.  On one outing he was leading, a group of Pittsburgh Steelers were being rowdy, not following his instructions and, he felt, putting themselves and other boaters at risk.   Finally, he had them bring their boat to shore for some “adjustments,” then deflated the boat and sent them on their way on foot back to their cars. Jim was the consummate do it yourselfer, skilled in auto mechanics, plumbing, and electrical work among other things, often eagerly helping his friends with home projects.  He took great pleasure in hosting parties and picnics for his legion of friends in the Pittsburgh area. Jim is survived by his brother Samuel Colaianne, of Apollo, Pa, sisters, Linda Hall of Ligonier, Pa., and Mary Colaianne of Penn Hills, Pa., his daughter Jenna Colaianne of Los Angeles, Calif, and his former wife, June Metcalf of Leland, N.C. The family would like to thank caregivers Sharon Bolger and Theresa and the staff at Grandview Estates, Elizabeth.Family will receive friends on Thursday June 13 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Corridoni Funeral Services, Inc.  1916 Moore Ave., North Apollo, Pa.  A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on June 14, at Saint James the Greater Catholic Church, 109 Owens View Avenue, Apollo, where he had been an altar boy. Father Vincent Zidek will officiate.  Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Apollo. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions be made in Jim's memory to; The Epilepsy Association of Western Pennsylvania, Suite 3002, 1501 Reedsdale Street, Pittsburgh, Pa 15233. 

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