Israel Antonio Colón, also known as “Puerto Rican Tony,” was born October 28, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Ernestine Guzman and Pablo Colon. He passed away on August 22, 2016.

Tony was educated in the public schools of Chicago. He attended Richard T. Crane High School. After high school he attended job core. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was honorably discharged.

Upon moving to Hamilton, Ohio, Tony was employed by Leshner Corp. as a screen print operator, Hamilton Fixtures as a cabinet maker/painter, Feed the People Inc. as the program coordinator and Precision Packaging, from where he retired. Tony then became a member of the singing group Foot Steps in the Sand.

Tony was united in marriage to Patricia Bowens on July 23, 1983. They shared 33 beautiful years together and had four, gorgeous, talented daughters: Antoinette, Traci-Marie, Denise and Zy’Ayre. Tony and his wife never met a stranger. Their door was always open to any and everybody which is why there are so many adopted love ones.

The highlight of his life was when he reconnected with his son, Kenyatta. His dream was to have all his kids together and to be with his brother, Pablo, again, which came true shortly before his transition. He was truly happy.

Tony was predeceased: by his mother, Ernestine Guzman, and father, Pablo Colon; and five grandchildren: Dez’Meyonna Colon, Dan’Montez Colon, Madison Jones, Breana Hammonds and Tre’vonn Colon. 

He is survived by: his wife, Evangelist Patricia Bowens-Colon; five children: Kenyatta S. Colon, Antoinette M. Colon-Hammonds (William), Traci-Marie E. Colon-Jones (Kendall), Denise N. Colon (Shaun Mitchell), Zy’Ayre T. Bowens; 16 grandchildren: Jamani, Kamari, Maqel, Xelyna, Yloyna, Tra’Nece, Alexandria, Ann-Marie, Ravea, Samariana, Breon, Nicholas, Connor, Hakeem, Xavier and Kenyatta; three sisters: Iris Vega, Suzanne Colon and Linda Colon; three brothers: Pablo Colon, Frank Colon and Jose Vega; two sisters-in-law, Anna M. Mukes and Cynthia Salter; a special great-niece, Courtney Jackson, and great- nephew, Michael Smith; and host of nieces , nephews, adopted children, love ones and many dear friends. His Legacy will live on through all of them.