Salvator Lawrence (Larry) Colobella

On Sunday, August 23, 2020, Salvator Lawrence (Larry) Colobella, our loving husband, father, Pop pop, and brother, passed away at the age of 71 due to injuries sustained in a fall.
Born November 24, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Larry was the only son of Sam and Bette Colobella. He grew up in Vernal, Utah and distinguished himself by being one of only two students who finished a year of college prior to graduating from Uintah High School.
Larry married the love of his life, Vivian Harrison, on June 17, 1967. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Larry and Vivian brought many wonderful things into this world, but none more beautiful than their five lovely daughters who have made their own mark in the world as entrepreneurs with successful businesses.
Larry graduated from the University of Utah where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Accounting.  After working a short time with Litton, Larry spent 30 years working for the Utah State Retirement Office. During this time, he served in many capacities, one of which was the director for the nationally recognized Salary Deferral Program.
Larry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served in many callings over the years.  His most rewarding was his seven year calling at the Bountiful Temple.
Larry was passionate about and extremely devoted to his family. He lit up each time he, or anyone spoke of them. He was most proud of his children, grandchildren and siblings. He had a steady habit of calling and texting them each and every day to send messages of encouragement and praise.
Larry penned many heartfelt poems and shared them with those he loved. He was known for his positive can-do attitude, infectious smile and compassionate spirit. He practiced unconditional love and was frequently and naturally an ambassador of “random acts of kindness.”
Larry’s tenacity was clearly demonstrated again and again through surviving and overcoming his many health challenges including, brain surgeries, two kidney transplants, a stroke and a 5-month coma. With his wife, Vivian and his family by his side, coaching him along the way, nothing seemed impossible for him. He never gave up and never let anything or anyone stop him. He proved the doctors wrong repeatedly by rising to the challenge to overcome each medical obstacle placed before him throughout his life.
When you were with Larry, he always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room, because, as far as Larry was concerned, you were. Of all the many gifts he gave to his family and friends, one of the most precious was the gift of PRESENCE. Larry had a way of making you believe that you mattered, you were important, and that you were loved.
The way Larry lived his life is a testament that he knew his Savior and lived a life worthy of entering into His kingdom. His Christ like example has provided a solid foundation for his family and friends and left a roadmap for them to follow.  Larry was giving till the end and even in death was able to better the lives of numerous people through his generosity of being a donor.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Bette Colobella and sister Patsy Ann Colton. He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian, five daughters Kristi, Kandee, Kaydee, Kelly and Karlin along with their spouses, his eight beautiful grandchildren, sisters Dianna (Tony DiCello) Kokoszka and Raelene (Lyle) Davis, nieces, nephews, cousins and many “extra children” who referred to him as “dad” over the years.
A casual gathering of remembrance will be held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Mueller Park Canyon (Group Site-19), 900 Mueller Park Road, Bountiful, UT. A visitation will be held from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 at Lake View Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Dr., Bountiful, UT. All services will be held outdoors practicing social-distancing. Masks are encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho in Larry’s name.
Services will be streamed via YouTube. Visit YouTube.com and search “Larry Colobella funeral”.
Service Information
Viewing September 4, 2020 at 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Memorial Lake View Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, UT





Graveside Service
September 4, 2020 at 10:30 AM
Memorial Lake View Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, UT