Gil Colaianni

GIL COLAIANNI, age 59, of Little Rock, died Dec. 1, 2011, after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He was born May 19, 1952, in Lorain, Ohio, to Eleanor Waidelis Colaianni and the late Gilbert Paul Colaianni Sr. He was a lifelong member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Little Rock where he had served both as a choir member and usher. Gil grew up in a musical family environment. His father was a former professional pianist, teacher, and retail piano dealer. His mother performed with the Arkansas Symphony and was active with several music based organizations. His siblings are trained musicians and Gil was proficient on guitar and piano at an early age, performing with numerous local groups throughout his life. Gil attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock briefly before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1972, opting for specialized electronics training. He returned home to Little Rock to begin his career in the family's piano business which he took over after his brother retired. Colaianni Piano Company operated for 57 years in the city. Besides playing music, he enjoyed several hobbies, including boating and fishing, HAM radio, travel, and pets. Survivors include wife, Teri King Colaianni; his mother, Eleanor Waidelis Colaianni; sons, Aaron Gilbert Colaianni, of Hot Springs, Adam Terrill Colaianni, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Scott, Drew, and Steven Higginbotham, all of Little Rock, Joseph Mathis, of Washington, D.C.; and daughters, Meredith Smith, of Dallas, and Allison Mathis, or Orlando, Fla. Gil also had grandchildren Brandon Colaianni, of Hot Springs, and Trinity Mathis, of Orlando, Fla. Siblings include Donald John Colaianni (Dana), of Little Rock, Carol Colaianni Allen (Frank), of Hot Springs, and Janelle Colaianni Fureigh, of Little Rock. A service will be held Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, 11 a.m., at St. Mark's Episcopal Church followed by a celebration of Gil's life in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi, Little Rock, Ark., 72207, or Arkansas Hospice 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark., 72116. Please visit www.ARcremation.com to sign the online guest register.