Former Kittanning Firemen’s Band Director Dies at Age 92
Enrico Colonna is shown here in this KP File Photo from July 9, 2011 directing the Kittanning Firemen’s Band at a special concert held at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Colonna was the original director when the band was formed in 1949.
The first director of the Kittanning Firemen’s Band was laid to rest following a Mass of Christian Burial that was celebrated at St. Bernard’s Church on Tuesday, December 6.
Enrico Vincent “Rick” Colonna, 92, died on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Bethany Place in Indiana.
His passion was music. In 1949, he organized and served as the first director of the Kittanning Firemen’s Band with a donation of $30 from three of the Kittanning fire departments. He visited surplus stores to find uniforms left over from the war.
He later organized and directed the Indiana Pops Concert Band until his retirement in 2011.
In July 2011, he traveled with the Kittanning Firemen’s Band along with 62 World War II veterans to Washington, DC for a special concert at the World War II Memorial. Colonna took center stage one last time as he directed the Band during a portion of the concert.
He was a baritone horn soloist and trombone player with various combos and big bands in the area, as well as director of several other bands throughout his lifetime.
His life’s avocation in music will be honored for years to come. He will be missed by family, friends, and fellow musicians.
Local News | KP NewsDesk December 10, 2016
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