Supercentenarian
1903 - 2015

Vincenza (Balassone) Colucci, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Friday, June 26, 2015. She lived an extraordinary 112 years. She was born in Sulmona, Aquila, Italy on January 23, 1903, one of 10 children born to the late Pasquale and Anna (DiCenso) Balassone.

The family lived in a medieval home, which had a chapel where she later married her beloved husband Francesco Colucci. They came to the United States, passing through Ellis Island in 1929, and settled in Niagara Falls. They had five children and built a home of love. They brought with them the customs and traditions of their Italian heritage as they assimilated into the American way of life.

Vincenza was a skillful seamstress, cook and gardener. She enjoyed summer days at the family cottage, travels to Italy & Argentina, collecting shells on the beaches of Siesta Key, capturing butterflies, and Sunday visits with her brothers over a cup of espresso and homemade biscotti.

Vincenza was an inspirational role model for her family. Faith guided her throughout life. She prayed the rosary daily and walked to church well into her hundreds. She met each day with grace, dignity and independence. A true matriarch, whose love and support will root generations to come.

Vincenza was predeceased by her husband Francesco Colucci in1953.

Predeceased by brothers and sisters, Gaetano Balassone, Luigi Balassone, Emidio'Sheik' Balassone, Guido Balassone, Francesco Balassone, Mother Superior Anna Maria Balassone, Raffaela Marcantonio, Angelina Evangelista and Antonina Balassone.

Left to cherish her memory, are her daughters, Anna Colucci and Elena Colucci, both of Niagara Falls. She was predeceased by Ettore (late Gertrude) Colucci, Fulvia (late Charles) Passanese, and Alfred (Kay of Niagara Falls, NY) Colucci. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Vinnie Passanese, Charles (late Rebecca) Passanese, Linda (Edward) Garcia, Patricia (Todd) Phillips, Paul (Laurie) Colucci, Sandra Colucci, Christine (Wade) Hart, Kathryn (Vincent) Castellani, Paula (Kevin ) O'Keefe, Nancy Colucci, Diane (Jeff) Harold and Donna (Michael) Viscosi, 22 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday July 1st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Roman Catholic Parish, 3840 Macklem Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Ivan Skenderovic officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to St. Raphael Roman Catholic Parish, 3840 Macklem Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 or Our Lady of Angels Association PO Box 1918 Niagara University, NY 14109.