In Memoriam~
Life is a constant battle of fighting the Dark to search for the Light, Good and Evil. The Universe is constantly evolving and changing everyday, every hour and every minute, trying to keep up with our paths are ever changing but, we are still driven to find the path of Light where we are able to shine our brightest and lose all fear! – Jason Colacino
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I was so lucky to have taken lessons and worked with Jason. I looked forward to our weekly lessons at Dance Manhattan and will miss his spirit and smile. He truly inspired me to reach higher.
Bless you Jason and I wish your family all the best.
Susan Perla
These memorials are really for those of us who remain. To Jasons’ parents who I have never met, I extend my deepest sympathy for your profound loss. To Katie, who has been a lovely light in my life for too many years to remember, I wish we could lift this pain from you but know that we cannot. To my pals, Kelly and Marja, who introduced me to Jason and Katie…I know how sad you both are…
I had the pleasure of watching this beatuiful young man dance. He was talented and created some magical moments we will always remember….I also believe the memory of love lives forever…
May God bless all of you who’s hearts are breaking….until that time when your hearts can feel joy again…I am sending you an ocean of prayers….
I was lucky to know Jason as part of our “family” in the SF Bay Area when he was proving to all of us he was destined for bigger successes than he could find in Country Western and Swing. Jason was a great model of determination to learn, to perform and remain the constant gentleman. He was so patient with me when I was assisting him teach classes in Pleasanton or drawing me in a Jack n Jill at Casa De Fruta. I am proud to know Jason achieved so much, I am very sorry for his loss and the loss his family is bearing now. For those of us who danced with Jason, we were blessed with a wonderful memory to hold on to now. God Bless and Rest you, Jason and your family
Rest in peace Jason, and dance your tune in heaven loud enough for Frankie and Arte to stop by. I haven’t forgotten, nor will I forget, your generosity of spirit and wonderful teaching… You will be missed.
Until I met Jason and received his magic I wasn’t sure how my dance would progress. He gave me the inspiration I needed to ‘shine and lose all fear’ Thank you forever Jason ~~~ Love and Peace
What a tragic loss for our dance community.
Jason to me was and always will be a star in our World of Dance. I have known Jason since the early 90′s and have grown to know his artistic Love for Dance. His artistry in routine work was breath taking. I remember in the mid 90′s Jason would have issues about performing in front of crowds in the West Coast Swing World. I remember sharing a moment with him in letting him know that once they see his talent and abilities all would fall in love with him. Sure enough this is what happened and from that point he became a renowned star.
Jason, I will miss you dearly my friend. Katie, What can I say? You have been a part of Jason for so long and have graced the very Art of Dance in front of many. My thoughts are so with you! For Jason’s family and friends, I wish to send my deepest condolences. This is truly a sad week. Loosing Wayne, Artie, Franky, and now Jason saddens me deeply. Jason, your spirit will live on forever. The joy you gave to us all will be so remembered. I am so sad right now that I don’t know what else to say but thank you my dear friend for the great memories. I will live each moment that God gives me in honoring the very classy dancers that have gone with God.
My Prayer for Jason, Family & Friends:
There are no words …what can I say? At last Jason’s sweet soul winged its way To peace and freedom in the sky Where never again will he suffer or cry. It’s all part of God’s great plan …
Which remains a mystery to man. We cannot understand His ways
Nor can we count our earthly days. But who are we to question and doubt? God knoweth well what He’s all about; He knew he longed to “go to sleep” Where only angels, a vigil keep. The pain of living grew too great No longer could he stay and wait; Jason did not want to leave us, But he had finished his work down here. So he closed his eyes and when he awoke, These are the words the Master spoke … “Welcome, my dear child, you are Home at last,
And now the burden of living is past.” “There’s work for you in My Kingdom. You are needed and wanted here.” So weep not, he has just gone on ahead, Don’t think of him as being dead. Think of it as if Jason’s out of sight for a little while, And we will all miss his Love, friendship, touch, dancing and smile of which he gave to us all. But you know my friends he is safe in the home above Where there is nothing but Peace and Love. And, surely, you would not deny him peace … And are glad that he has found release and comfort.
Think of him there as a soul that is free, And Home at last, where he wanted to be.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
With all my love and respect for this kind Man I say May God Bless Jason Colacino
Warmly,
Manny Viarrial from Aurora, Colorado
I don’t know what to say….
I can’t believe you are gone. I am happy I had the pleasure, many times, of dancing with you-I loved dancing with you!! I also loved our talks…I’m going to miss your emails. I’m saddened to know I will never see your beautiful face again, or dance with you again..or simply watch you dance.
Life is simply too short….
I am sad that I did not get to meet Jason, although many of my dance friends in the local community are suffering and I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Jason’s family and friends and to the dance community.
Live every day as if there is no tomorrow. Help a friend, a neighbor, a stranger…. Warmly, Terri
On behalf of Jason’s Dad and myself I want to thank you all for your heartfelt comments and sharing your memories of our son. Thank God for the internet so Jason will live on forever. We have not met most of you but through Jason we have watched your dancing with him over the years. God Bless, Diane
I was so happy when I danced with him for the 1st time. I was very honored to share the dance floor with him at a stardust show. That was the 1st time i saw him dance and I couldn’t believe how great he was! He was one of the most passionate and talented dancers! Jason rest in peace. Lots of love.
For everyone who has been lucky enough to have had dance with Jason you know what a thrilling experience that was. For everyone else, watch a video of Jason dancing with Katie, because she has the talent of translating that feeling into something everyone else can see. Jason’s gift with animals was one of his lesser-known talents; he had an almost magical connection with them. Jason was talented with the great gifts of acting, dancing and looks (modeling), but when he was not performing, was quiet and introspective. For those close enough to him to know this side, my prayers go out to you.
Everyone leaves footprints along the paths we walk during our time on earth. Though his time with us was short, his footprints are plentiful.
Diane and Rick – we were blessed to have him in our lives. He always was and always will have his place in our family, loved so much. There are two poems that have always painted a picture for me of joy and celebration, and brought me much comfort over the years when I’ve had to say goodbye to those I loved. I hope they will give you and all those who will miss Jason’s presence in our “here and now” comfort as well.
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other
That we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes
We enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me,
Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am
Out of sight? I am but waiting for you
For an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner.
All is well.
- Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)
“A Parable of Immortality”
I am standing by the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength,
and I stand and watch
until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, ‘There she goes!
Gone where? Gone from my sight – that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the places of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
‘There she goes! ‘ ,
there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
“HERE SHE COMES!’
-Henry van Dyke. (1852 – 1933)
I just heard from Gregory Harrison on Facebook that the funeral service for Jason Colacino will be held this Wednesday the 19th, 11am at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., Tracy, CA. Please pass on this information.
I am shocked that someone so young and talented has been taken away from the dance world. I knew Jason for a short time but he gave so much positive to dance and to his students.
The New Orleans and Baton Rouge Dance communities were shocked to hear of Jason’s passing. We all got together at a big dance function this weekend and the loss of Jason was on everyone’s mind. He was a friend of many of us, but the favorite dancer of all. My wife, Annette still talks about the time Jason danced with her in New Orleans. Jason was always her favorite. He was an unbelievable dancer with moves that no one could equal. It makes us feel good to hear all of the good things that are being said about him. Jason will be sadly missed and always remembered by the “Big Easy and Baton Rouge Dance Communities”.
Our prayers are with the family and friends in this time of sorrow.
Martin Marino
Jason descansa en paz, te extrañere. En Morelia, Mich. México se te quiso mucho.
I was just guided to the obituary for Jason:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/insidebayarea/obituary.aspx?n=jason-colacino&pid=131517789
God took away an angel sooo soon! maybe this world didn’t deserved his presence anymore ………….Jason always in my memorie and in my heart my condolences to his family from Mexico!!!!!
When I started dancing, Jason and Katie were part of the lure because they made it look so darn easy. Still amazing that two talented teenagers could be that friendly and lack all the attitude that’s easy to get when everybody is worshiping you.
I can’t believe I’ll never get to hear another smart-ass comment from Jason and see that wicked cheshire cat grin of his. He was mischievous, thoughtful, and sincere, even to a wobbly amateur like me. I save many fond memories of him in my heart, which is heavy heavy heavy with sadness at the moment. All my thoughts and condolences are with Jason’s family, Katie, the Evil Mavens, and all the souls that Jason touched with his grace, not just in dancing, but in his being. You will be missed greatly and by many, Jason.
Excelent teacher, incredible person… Thanks for all you bring to us. Barbara Luna. Director National Jazz Dance Congress Mexico
my prayers are with jason’s family and friends at their loss.the world will mourn a great young a man who glowered amoung the stars.may he rest in peace for god has a new star to shine.god bless him and always love him…………….debra vargas..tracy,calif
god has gained a new star.lets praise the life jason had here on earth.he gave the world a ray of and happiness even if it was only for a moment…………..god bless….debra vargas
I am in shock and deeply saddened to learn of the loss of such a wonderful man, dancer, and talent. I was his stage manager for our production of Swing here at Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Minnesota. His professionalism, kindness, generosity and talent blew me away. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends all over the world, and those especially in New York who knew him more deeply than we did. We will all feel his loss for a long time.
I am still in dis-belief and so saddened. He was a beautiful person, a beautiful and talented dancer and unique teacher. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to experience his magic of dance and rhythm and expression during my dances with him…especially the last one in the Hudson Valley. He was one of kind and I will miss him terribly. My heart goes out to his family, Katie and friends. Barbara
We were dancing together, laughing together, enjoying summer together at this time less than a year ago. I’m in such disbelief that Jason is gone. He gave so much of himself with everything he did. We bonded immediately. I, never having formally danced “swing” and having a crash course in 4 days with of all people…Jason Colacino! He taught me SOOOOO much and forever I will hear, “wait for me….” , “don’t point your toes..”, “what’s going on…”
I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and I will always remember Jason and his truly amazing heart and soul.
“Miss you, Tandi!” Rest in peace. Julianne
I have had the honor of taking lessons and dancing with Jason. There is now a deep loss in the dance world. Thank you Jason, for the Light you brought to us. I know you have found the Light that you were seeking.
Even though I never met and saw the man personally, I heard about Jason first by following the U.S. Open on the internet. He and Katie always seemed to be in the top 5 there; I didn’t know about his tango and other dances he knew. But from what I have seen on this blog, I do know this: He was a very popular dancer everywhere he went, and his dances (especially with Katie) were worth the price of admission. He was that good.
I cant believe he’s gone; first Wayne Bott, then Frankie Manning, and now Jason Colacino. We should all take time to treasure our friendships and relationships every day.
I don’t know what else to say, but…thank you, Jason Colacino, for a life well lived and danced.
Dearest J,
Happy Birthday sweetie, we’d all give anything if you were here and we could laugh and cut up and enjoy celebrating your birthday with you. You are missed so much. Perhaps from where you are now, time is like a blink of an eye, and your perspective must be so different than from down here. Each day without our loved ones seems to go so slowly, at least for awhile. One day I know your Mom and Dad and those of us who love you will laugh more, cry less, and the tears won’t be as sad. Keep an eye on your Mom and Dad and Katie, know we will always love you. And we will see you again one day. God bless hon.
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