Photo Courtesy: PAHomePage.com; goo.gl/WJtfeX

By Steve Svetovich

Wit, a pleasant demeanor, being nice to others and faith in God are the keys to a long life for Dunmore’s Carolyn Colo who turned 100 this past January 18.

The lifelong Dunmore resident was living independently in her Dunmore apartment on Electric Street until she was admitted to Mountain View Care Center this past November just two months before her 100th birthday.

She still has her wit, love of life and ambulates with her walker, attending all of the activities in the Mountain View Care Center, Moosic.

A party with family and friends, celebrating her 100th birthday, was held this past January 20 at Marzoni’s Restaurant, Moosic.

The highlight of the event came when Dunmore Mayor Tim Burke presented her with a proclamation for turning 100. Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley presented her with a nice plaque/proclamation stating: “Carolyn Colo Day.”

She appeared recently on a WBRE-TV story regarding turning 100.

Carolyn previously appeared on WBRE TV-28 when she turned 90 and 94 for stories on old vs. newbie drivers.

Still sharp, she was driving through the age of 97.

She took part in the WVIA TV documentary series “Our Town” in which citizens tell stories about their town. WBRE-TV photographer Tony Ingargiola, Dunmore, taped Carolyn a few years ago telling old stories about Dunmore as part of the documentary.

Daughter of the late Frank and Florence Colo, Carolyn graduated from Dunmore High School in 1935. The high school, since burned down, was located on Apple Street, Dunmore.

Roberta Clemens, Dunmore, her niece, a singer and percussionist for the Dales Jukebox Band, was interviewed about her aunt just before a gig. She performs with a father and son team, Dale and Dale Ambosie.

“My aunt is still very much with it,” she said. “She is very kind and considerate. She is very witty, almost flirtatious.”

Carolyn was always very active. She loved playing cards, spending two nights a week with her group playing pinochle.

She continues to enjoy all of the activities at a Mountain View Care Center. She ambulates with her walker attending music, bingo, horse racing games and crossword puzzle groups.

Carolyn married Philip Colo in 1949. Her husband was a government employee for the liquor control board. He died 20 years ago.

Carolyn attended classes at International Correspondence School (ICS) where she earned a certificate as a math instructor. She worked diligently as a math instructor at ICS from 1943 to 1985. A dedicated employee, she retired at 67.

She never smoked and rarely drank other than a glass of wine on a holiday.

Carolyn planned all of her Dunmore High School class reunions until she was 95 when her class size dwindled due to deaths. The reunions were held every year.

She often spoke of her long and loving relationship with her late husband.

But always with a quick wit, she once kidded that her secret to a long life was “not having to take care of a man for all those years.”

Then she turned serious. “My secret to a long life is being nice to people and my faith in God.”

She and her late husband did not have any children, but she remains dedicated to her nine nieces and is close to the Ingargiola family of Dunmore.

She grew up on Monroe Avenue in Dunmore and later moved near Saint Anthony’s Park. Carolyn never left the town she truly loved.

Her niece relishes her aunt’s quips and quick wit. “She remains very sharp and witty to this day. She still is a lot of fun. She has a love of people and life.”