Mike Colini, a stalwart at Staten Island Little League for over 25 years and the driving force behind a successful foundation that kept his son’s memory alive, died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
The former Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) police officer, who was vacationing in Las Vegas with his wife, Diane, and friends at the time of his death, just turned 60 on July 25.
Colini is survived by his wife, who he married on June 1, 2019; his daughter, Lauren, and sons Nicholas and Christian and his stepchildren, Colleen Quinlan, Tommy Quinlan, Timmy Quinlan and Terrence Quinlan.
Colini was predeceased by his son, Michael F. Colini, who tragically died following a jet ski accident in 2017. In a classic case of turning a sad situation into something good, Mike and Diane Colini created the Michael Francis Colini Foundation two years ago in an effort to assist several causes, including aiding an incoming Monsignor Farrell student and a Staten Island Little Leaguer who are in need of financial assistance. The younger Colini graduated from Farrell and played at SILL.
Former Staten Island Little League treasurer Andy Korbul, second from right, is joined by several of the league's former presidents, including, left to right, Lou Montalbano, Alan Rigatti, Rocco Toto, Mike Colini and Kevin Moylan. Colini unexpectedly died earlier this week. (Courtesy of the Moylan family)Courtesy of the Moylan family
Colini was loved by many for his undying dedication to Staten Island Little League, but most importantly, because he’d give the shirt off his back to anybody that needed help.
“Mike was generous; a great family man and a great friend,’' said Kevin Moylan, who, like Colini, has wore many hats during his time at SILL. “He’d do anything for anybody.’'
“This is a tremendous loss to not only the Staten Island Little League community, but the Staten Island community as well,’' added SILL president Chris Bruno, noting Colini was always supportive to the Live Like Lisa Foundation, the nonprofit organization that Bruno and his wife, Alyssa, run. “Hearing the news that he died was devastating. Mike never said ‘no’ to anything, he always said ‘yes.’ He was beyond just a volunteer.’’
Former Staten Island Little League president Mike Colini, who is joined by his wife, Diane, eventually became an Assistant District Administrator for District 24. (Courtesy of Kevin Moylan)Courtesy of Kevin Moylan
“Oh my God, what a great guy to lose,’' said Little League District 24 Administrator Frank Cambria. “He was one of the best guys around and this is just a terrible loss for the Staten Island community.
“He was fantastic — he would 100% do anything for you. He would always talk nicely to people, he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.’'
Colini grew up in West Brighton and after graduating from Susan Wagner HS in 1982, he eventually became a MTA police officer.
The Todt Hill resident became involved at Staten Island Little League approximately 25 years ago and shortly after, he held a myriad of positions there, including coach, manager, vice president and president. He was also a member of the Dongan Hills loop’s Board of Governors.
Former Staten Island LL president Mike Colini also served as a Metropolitan Transit Authority police officer. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel
“He was a tireless worker at the league,’' explained Moylan. “He did everything from cut the grass to paint the complex.
“Mike and I started volunteering at the league around the same time. We coached tournament teams together; we were on the Board of Directors together; he was president, I was president and both being stubborn, we would disagree and argue about stuff, but we always had enough respect for each other to understand we were both doing it for the right reasons — for the kids.
“He was a great mentor to coaches, the kids and the new generation of SILL leaders,’' added Moylan. “Mike always had the good of the league and the kids at the top of the list.’'
Todt Hill resident Mike Colini, left, is joined, left to right, by his wife Diane, children Nicholas, Lauren and Christian and stepson Timmy Quinlan at Staten Island Little League. Mike Colini died suddenly earlier this week while vacationing in Las Vegas. (Courtesy of the Moylan family)Courtesy of the Moylan family
“Mike is one of the many reasons why I’m president now,’' added Bruno, who recently completed his first season as prez. “He has been an integral part of our league for 25 years and through his help, guidance and mentorship, he helped make it a smooth transition into my role as president.’'
Colini, who eventually became an Assistant District Administrator (ADA) under Cambria, played a pivotal role in helping rebuild Staten Island LL after its complex was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Colini, in fact, was president during that time frame and he helped secure numerous donations and grants to rebuild the facility.
“MIke was instrumental in getting the league back on its feet after so many things were damaged in Sandy,’' said Cambria. “The league obviously experienced some trying times back then and little by little, he got the place rebuilt.’'
Former Staten Island Little League president Mike Colini, standing third from left, is presented a $240,000 check from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund at a time when the Dongan Hills loop was looking to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. Colini is joined by, left to right, former MLB pitcher Jason Marquis; Musco Lighting's Don Rhuda; SILL Board of Directors Mark Russo; Baseball Tomorrow Fund executive director Cathy Bradley; former Borough President James Oddo and former City Councilman Steve Matteo on May 2, 2014. (Staten Island Advance/ Anthony DePrimo)Staten Island Advance/ Anthony DePrimo
Cambria and Bruno said Colini did an admirable job as an ADA as he handled the majority of games at Staten Island LL during All-Star season.
“He absolutely did a great job,’' said Cambria. “This is just devastating news, I’m going to miss Mike.’'
“Any time Mike was the (ADA), things ran smoothly,’' added Bruno. “He always got things done the right way.’'
A visitation for Mike Colini hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to be sometime late next week. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Michael Francis Colini Foundation.