Anthony Colella, Sr.

62, of Cranston, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after a 15 month courageous battle. Anthony leaves a lasting mark on all who knew him. He was a loving husband to Maria (Ialongo) Colella for 37 years. Together, they built a growing family, including their daughter Arianna Centonze and her husband John of Cranston, and their son Anthony Colella Jr. (Johnston Fire Department) of Cranston. 

This last year, Anthony’s strength and motivation to fight came from his first grandchild, Gianluca Anthony Centonze who he adored tremendously. Anthony was so proud to be his “Nonno”. Born in Providence, Anthony was the son of Assunta (Lombardi) Colella and the late Giuseppe Colella of Cranston. He was also the brother of Nina Faiola (John) of Cranston and pre-deceased by his sister Anna Igetti (Giancarlo), and his brother Mario Colella. He was also the brother-in-law to Frank and Holly Ialongo of Cranston. Anthony leaves behind many nieces and nephews and his furry companion, his dog, Angelo. 

Anthony was employed at Nardolillo Funeral Home for 40 years in his most recent role as Operations Coordinator. Anthony was the proud owner of Dyer Avenue Florist in Cranston for 20 years, which would later become Flowers by Anthony in 2010. He was a confident designer and will forever be remembered for his beautiful work. Even through illness, Anthony continued his passion for floral designing. Anthony brought a vision and creative energy into every room he entered, and that presence will forever be missed. 

The family would like to thank the team of doctors and nurses at Rhode Island Hospital. A special thank you to the entire Nardolillo family who treated Anthony like their own over the years. Anthony was proud to work with ‘family’. We will forever miss that contagious laugh and warm personality.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 8:45 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. Burial will be private. VISITING HOURS will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Neuro-Oncology Research: A Reason to Ride Research Fund at the RI Hospital Foundation, 10 Davol Square, Suite 201, Providence, RI 02903 or online at: https://giving.lifespan.org/RIH/support-RIH