Antonio “Nino” Coloca
December 9, 1938 – July 2, 2026

With deep sorrow and immense sadness, we announce the passing of Antonio “Nino” Coloca on July 2, 2026, at the age of 87. A devoted husband, beloved father, cherished grandfather, dear brother, uncle, and friend, Antonio lived a life defined by family, hard work, and simple pleasures. He will be greatly missed.

Antonio was born on December 9, 1938, in San Constantino Calabro, Calabria, Italy. After World War II, he moved with his family to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he met Anna Maria, also from Italy. When her family moved to New York, Antonio followed, and they married. Their union became the foundation of a 60-year marriage, and a family that remained the center of everything to him.

Antonio and Anna Maria began their life together in Brooklyn, New York, in the Cobble Hill neighborhood, where their first three children, Catherine, Lina, and Rafael, were born. In 1974, they moved their young family to Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines, Florida, where their younger sons, Anthony and Marcel, were born. From Italy to Argentina, from New York to South Florida, Antonio carried with him the values that shaped his life: devotion to family, pride in his Italian heritage, and the belief that love is shown through daily care, sacrifice, and presence.

Gifted with remarkable talent for design, detail, and craftsmanship, Antonio owned a custom furniture business that served some of South Florida’s most prominent commercial clients. He had the eye of an artisan and hands that could build anything, creating works marked by precision, beauty, and care. Those same qualities could be seen throughout his life, in the family traditions he preserved, the garden he lovingly tended at his home, the meals he helped prepare, and the limoncello he loved to make.

Antonio treasured his backyard garden, where his extraordinary green thumb produced fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs that became part of the daily home-cooked meals enjoyed by his family. The family table was where he was happiest, seated at the head, with his wife at his side, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. There, family stories were told, amazing meals were shared, grandchildren were celebrated, and Antonio’s love for his family was felt most deeply.

His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than spending time with them as their “Nonno,” adoring them as they adored him, telling them stories from his childhood as they told him their latest activities and achievements. His greatest smiles came when his children and grandchildren were gathered together. They were the brightest lights of his life, and he lived for them up until the very end.

Antonio is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Anna Maria; his loving children Catherine (Jeff), Lina, Anthony (Cathy), and Marcel (Christie); his eight cherished grandchildren Lauren, Olivia, Ashley, Matthew, Alyssa, Nicholas, Alexandra, and Vincent; his siblings Giuseppe (Rosa), Lina, and Nazareno (Angelica); and extended family on three continents. We are comforted in knowing that Antonio is reunited in Heaven with his beloved eldest son, Rafael, who predeceased him last year and is missed every day by all of us. Their shared love of family, time together, and Italian heritage remains a lasting part of our family’s heart.

Family and friends are invited to honor Antonio’s life at a viewing on Wednesday, July 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. A Mass will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, followed by Entombment, 1500 S State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.