John Colamarino Obituary

John Colamarino passed away at home on November 1st, 2025 at the age of 71 in Lawrence, KS after a 2-year battle with esophageal cancer. He was the youngest child of 5 children to Rocco and Lena (Cannavino) Colamarino, born on September 11, 1954.

John grew up in Warren, MI as the son of a Ford worker which fostered his love of cars and the city of Detroit. He and his high school friends formed the Berlin Airlift, a rock band (1969-1970) - John was the drummer. He graduated from Cousino High School in Warren, MI.

John moved to Lawrence, KS to join his sister Emilia, brother-in-law Bert, and nephew Jim in 1980. Living with his big sister and family changed his life for the better and was a turning point in his life. In support of his passion for cars, he pursued automotive sales beginning in 1985. The majority of his 33-year career was spent at Laird Noller Automotive at the Lawrence , Kansas City, and Topeka locations. He retired in 2018.

John LOVED good food – both cooking and eating it. He was known for his expertise in preparing home-cooked Italian meals for family and friends. He loved tending to his garden, and was especially thrilled when tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil would sprout for his homemade salads. His other passions included music and attending concerts too numerous to detail - spanning Motown, to Andrea Bochelli, to Lady Gaga. Notably, he excelled at finding a great sale and was a quintessential clothes-horse. Most importantly, the only thing John loved more than food was his daughter of whom he was so proud, Natalie, and her family.

Prior to his Cancer diagnosis, John was able to enjoy vacations with his daughter & son-in-law and grandkids, as well as his significant other, Sarah. The entire immediate family was involved with his care during his battle with his main caregiver being Sarah.

John is survived by his significant other of 24 years Sarah Nugent; daughter Natalie Wenger (Patrick); close friend and ex-wife Jackie Colamarino; granddaughter Penelope (7), and grandson Pierce (5) - all of Lawrence, KS. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Emilia Nisbet (Mesquite, TX) and extended family in Texas and Michigan. John was preceded in death by his parents and 3 older siblings, Gloria, Colomba, and Michaelangelo.

Rosary and visitation will be held at Warren-McElwain in Lawrence, KS on Friday, November 14 from 6-8pm. A celebration of life will be held the following day, Saturday, November 15 from 2-4pm in the Lookout Room at the Jayhawk Club in Lawrence, KS. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or No Kid Hungry, and can be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary at 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044