from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — George Colli, 84, of Ellington, Conn., died Dec. 22, 2012, at home with his family by his side.

Mr. Colli was the owner of numerous Standardbreds, including Keepitinthefamily and many others with Sonny Antonacci of Lindy Farms.

He was born April 20, 1928, in Meriden, Conn., the son of the late George and Mary (Burke) Colli. He was a graduate of Windsor Locks High School and attended Syracuse University.

Mr. Colli served in the United States Navy as a submariner from 1946-1948 aboard the U.S.S. Besugo. After returning from the service he opened his first restaurant of many throughout the area.

Some of his proudest accomplishments as a business owner was bringing hockey to Enfield by building and operating Enfield Twin Rinks. In 1959 he founded Colli-Wagner Realty and developed many residential and commercial properties throughout Northern Connecticut. In 1971 he founded and was the first chairman of New England Bank and Trust.

Mr. Colli is survived by his four children, George III (Catherine), Keith, Laurie Amos and Jeffrey (Cara); their mother, Elaine; grandchildren, George IV, Christopher (Kim), William Amos, Jason Amos, Caitlin Amos, Wade and Nicolas; sister-in-law, Joanne; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gerard; and sister, Lois.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on Wednesday (Dec. 26), from 4-8 p.m. at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks, CT 06096. A funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Thursday (Dec. 27) at 9 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 42 Spring St. Windsor Locks. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Windsor Locks.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 41 Maple Street, P.O. Box 71, Ellington, CT 06029.