John Raymond Colaianni

John Raymond “JR” Colaianni. 73, of Boise, Idaho, passed away on November 16, 2015, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was surrounded by his loving family. John was born September 3, 1942, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Ray and Louise Colaianni. He graduated from Pocatello High School with the Class of 1961, where he made countless good memories. John married Midge Johnson October 19,1963. Together they had two sons, Scott and Eric. They were later divorced. Then on September 19, 1992 he married Cyndi Sasser and they divorced. John’s life in Pocatello was a celebration of family, friends, and his beloved Bengals. He was a member of the The Argyles and had the time of his life singing and performing with the group. His two sons, Scott and Eric were his driving force. He co-owned and operated Bi Lo Food Center with his father Ray in Pocatello from 1957-1987 before acquiring his dream job as Executive Director of the Bengal Foundation. Upon leaving ISU he and his good friend Jim Eilander started the marketing and fundraising firm Pro Campaigns in 1993. He returned to ISU as Director of Marketing for Athletics and Bengal Foundation Director. Due to his disability from MS, he retired from ISU in 2004. Retirement for John was filled with golf, traveling and good times with his friends, family and grandson. John moved to Boise in 2011 to be closer to his family due to complications from his MS. He continued celebrating his life through weekly luncheons with family and friends, singing and telling stories of the good times in Pocatello. John’s family wishes to thank all the Doctors who treated him, and the staff of Ashley Manor at Elgin for the loving care they provided. He is survived by sons John Scott Colaianni (Susan) of Eagle, Eric Matthew Colaianni (Brandi) of Meridian, grandson Colby Antonio Colaianni (Meridian), sister Mickey Harmer (Michael) of Meridian, brother Gino Colaianni (Kim) of Meridian, sister Candy Richey (Mark) of Eagle, and brother Cary Colaianni of Eagle. He was preceded in death by his father Ray and mother Louise. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Idaho State Bengal Foundation in John’s name or to the Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union (in the name of John’s cousin) Bruce Frazier account for MS stem cell research. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on December 4, 2015 at Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, Idaho. The interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho. The family will receive friends following the service at the Rosewood Reception Center, 1499 Bannock Hwy., Pocatello from 4:30-7:00 PM. Condolences at cornelisonfh.com

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