Dennis Colombo

Dennis Philip Colombo, age 58, of Kansas City, MO, passed away October 30, 2004. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway. A memorial celebration will be held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s UMC or the PKD Foundation. Born to Philip Anthony and Mary Rappaport Colombo in New York City, Dennis graduated from Erasmus High School in Brooklyn. While earning his business degree at KU, he met his wife, Kathleen Carmitchel, at the Gas Light Tavern. They eloped to St. Louis, MO, after a six week courtship. Dennis served four years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army, primarily in Washington D.C. and northern Germany. He later received his Masters in Public Administration and Juris Doctorate. For the last 25 years, he taught business law at Webster University and maintained a successful solo law practice. His area of greatest professional expertise was wills and trusts. He had a particular fondness for time spent with his elderly clients. Dennis participated in his five children’s activities, including Boy Scouts, sports, and school events. He enjoyed many friendships developed as a result of this involvement. Dennis treasured the fellowship he experienced at St. John’s, participating in choir, Sunday school, Bible and spiritual study, Dinner for Eight, men’s group, and mission trips. Dennis and Kathleen were married for 36 years. Their loving relationship is an inspiration to all who know them. Their children and grandchildren are: Dennis Philip, Jr. and Jennifer Colombo; Andrew and Maribeth Colombo and their children, Graham, Annabelle and Ellen; Adam and Michelle Colombo, their son, Samuel and expected twins; Paul Colombo and his fiancee’, Sarah Schultz; and Sarah and Michael Casey. Dennis was exceptionally proud of his children. They were infected with his curiosity and wonder and never doubted his love for them. Dennis was also blessed with many beloved extended family members. Dennis’s greatest passions in life were spending time with his family and friends, cooking “the sauce,” searching for the perfect nap, delighting in rowdy family dinners, traveling to familiar destinations, and exploring the world around him. He always made time for others, was courageous in facing challenges, had a confidence that comforted all who knew him, and had a profound sense of God’s presence. To the very last he expressed his joy in experiencing God’s miracle of life.