A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Blvd. in Capitola for Nicholas “Nick” Colasanti, who was a teacher, counselor, coach and vice principal at Hillview School for 36 years. Mr. Colasanti died Aug. 30 at the age of 87.
Born in Weehawken, New Jersey, he graduated from Cliffside Park High School, where he played football and baseball and was voted best dancer. In 1948 he went on to Iona Prep on a football scholarship and was headed for a football career before he received a severe head injury that ended his career and an appointment to West Point.
He graduated from Montclair Teachers College and earned a master’s degree from Columbia University before becoming a teacher at Hillview School. Early in his career, he taught in a military base in Germany before returning to Hillview.
He was instrumental in developing learning programs and testing techniques with the Slingerland Institute for Literacy. He also served as president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Menlo Park in 1963.
He loved to travel, go to sporting events and shows in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and enjoyed good food, good wine and good people, say family members.
He is survived by his children, Cynthia (David) Koraleski of Scottsdale, Arizona, Peter (Leslie) Colasanti of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Erik (Shana Taylor) Colasanti of Scotts Valley, California; sister Marie Zavada; four grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the Hospice of Santa Cruz and its caregivers. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
Redwood City attorney sues ‘First Amendment auditors’ after Menlo Park disputeApril 2, 2026 11:31 am
