Ernest

Kolano

Ernest (Ted) Kolano

February 4, 1928 – November 3, 2022

Ernest (Ted) Kolano, 94, of Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away on Thursday, November 3 ^rd surrounded by his loving family. Ted was born and grew up in Ozone Park, Queens, NY and lived most of his adult life in Smithtown, NY, later moving to Jensen Beach, FL. Ted was predeceased by his parents, Teofil and Mary Kolano (Baronowski) and his wife of 56 years, Eileen Kolano (Damm). He is survived by his sister, Florence Campion, four children, Maureen Boles (Kevin), Kerry Virga (John), Thomas Kolano (Carol), and Joanne Vaughn (Ray). Ted was an incredibly proud Papa of 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Ted retired from the Wantagh Public School district after a thirty plus year career in education, first as an elementary teacher, then as a guidance counselor, eventually becoming the director of guidance for Wantagh High School. Before entering the teaching profession, Ted was a farm team recruit for the Chicago Cubs as a catcher, served in the Navy during the final years of WWII, graduated from Adelphi University and briefly was an accountant for Price Waterhouse. In addition to a long career in education, Ted was a football official. Over the years, he worked his way up from high school to Division 1 college games. He was honored twice with officiating at the prestigious Army-Navy game and also officiated at the Tangerine Bowl. Ted later became a professional official with the United States Football League (USFL) and ended his football officiating career as a practice official for the NY Jets (obviously, they didn't listen to him).

In addition to being a sports enthusiast, Ted loved being with his family. To most people he was a quiet observer with a quick smile, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren knew how to bring out the playful and funny side of his personality. When he was with them, Ted made each of his grandchildren feel special by taking the time to play with them and showed great patience when teaching them new skills like riding a bicycle or fishing off the dock near his home in Florida.

Ted's sister, Florence, wanted to share that Ted was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and all they accomplished in their lives. He was especially proud that just as he did, they valued their education enough to all become college graduates.