We received this last night from the family of Johnny Colan John Colan passed peacefully last night, July 17, 2010. The wake will be held at Gleasons funeral home 149-20 Northern Blvd Flushing N.Y. [718-359-6300] on tues [7-9] and weds [2-5,7-9] and funeral mass at St. Kevin's church 149st and 45th ave ,Flushing, on thursday [718-357-8888] time to be arranged. Please pass the word on to the members.-Cheri Herrmann and Laura Colan Johnny was rated in the top 10 in the World by Ring Magazine in both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions from September 1941 to March of 1947. Johnny knocked out the likes of Steve Mamakos, Ernie Vigh, Jimmy Webb and decisioned Buddy Knox .. . Also battled Jake LaMotta, Anton Christoforidis, Tommy Yarosz and Nate Bolden . . . Later became the New York State Athletic Commission Referee . . .A longtime member of Ring 8. Served on the board of Directors and was the Vice President for years. He was rated as high as #4 in the World. http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?hum...1799&cat=boxer http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:11799 Henry
I last saw him at a Ring 8 Christmas Party in New York City a couple of years ago. I sat at the same table as he did.
I saw him one time at the old sunnyside Arena on Queens Blvd,Queens against a former Gold Gloves Champ, Jimmy Carollo. He won...If memory serves me Colan was blond, and a GOOD stiff puncher...
I was just told by his daughter Cheri, that her mother, his wife, Josephine passed away last week and was buried on Saturday. Johnny passed that night at 1 AM. Now there together once again, forever.
God bless them both Rest In Peace Johnny & Josephine look after each other and hope i speak for everyone on here that we send our thoughts to both, Cheri, and all that knew and loved the two of them.
I just wanted to tell you that I went to Johnny's funeral today and I spoke at the grave site and rung the bell "9" times. I want to say that the family of Johnny searched and found this site and they said that they had tears of joy. Then they asked me who "RockysSplitNose" was, as they all laughed at the name you use. They were so grateful for all your comments.
I attended the funeral along with Ring 8 President Matt Farrago and long time Board member, Lou Raino. I also asked the family if they wanted me to say a few words and Ring the bell "9" times. They said that wold be Great! This is the E-Mail I received from Johnny's daughter Cheri. Dear Henry, On behalf of my family, I can't thank you enough for the eloquent farewell you offered at my father's funeral yesterday. Dad would have loved it! I can't describe my feelings when you bestowed my father's legacy upon my daughter bringing it full circle. Your words will echo in our hearts and minds forever. My sister and I were hoping for a graveside"10 count" but understood it was preformed for Dad at the last Ring 8 meeting so we thought that was it. We were so happy to see you yesterday morning. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you send me a copy of your speech so I can circulate it among friends and family who couldn't attend? Henry, you are priceless. Keep up the good work and keep punching! Sincerely, Cheri H.
