Biagio "Ben" Colandreo, Sr.

(Age 87)

On Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Biagio “Ben” Colandreo, Sr., of Rockville, MD died peacefully in his home surrounded by family after bravely fighting a long battle with cancer. Born in Washington, DC, he then moved to Rockville, MD where he lived for 60 years. He was the son of the late Antonio and Maria Colandreo and the devoted husband of Anna Gallerizzo Colandreo for 65 years. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Giovina Landis (Larry), and is survived by his remaining children Antoinette, Joseph (Karen), Francis (Leilani), Christina Shawver (Craig), Margaret Doane (Dale), Biagio, Jr. (Cheryl), and Rosemarie Allan (Robert). He also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, dear cousin Carmela Ventresca (the late Ponfilio), and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings Rocco, Joseph (Colomba), Silvio (survived by Yolanda) and Pauline Locke (Dalmer).

Mr. Colandreo was a graduate of McKinley Technology H.S. in Washington D.C. and was a member of the Golden Techites. He was a celebrated athlete, standing out most as an All-Met football player nicknamed “Benny Boom Boom.” He proudly served in the Unites States Marine Corps, where he completed combat operations during the Korean War and was a member of the USMC boxing team. He then earned his journeyman and was a member of Glazer Local 963. Mr. Colandreo was an owner of several businesses. He established Seneca Glass Company, Inc., in the 90s, now owned and operated by his sons and son-in-law. He was a member of the American Legion Post 86 and a devout Catholic, attending Holy Rosary Church, Washington DC and St. Jude’s Shrine, Rockville, MD. He leaves behind a legacy of mentoring others not only as “Dad”, “Poppi” and “Uncle Benny” to his large family, but also as “Mr. C” and ‘Big Ben” to countless others, including “his boys” who he sustained a mentoring relationship with from the 1970’s until today. He could be counted on to embrace and help others, regardless of faith, creed, color or other distinctions. He will be remembered most for his devotion to faith and family, bright personality, love of sports, colorful storytelling, carton drawing of “The Man with the Leaky Nose,” and wonderful sense of humor.

The family will receive visitors at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD on Sunday, April 28th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Shrine of St. Jude Catholic Church, 12701 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD on Monday, April 29th at 12:00pm, followed immediately by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Church www.holyrosarychurchdc.org or Montgomery Hospice www.montgomeryhospice.org.