Remembering the man with a smile

Colmone, who was vice president at Spring Valley City Bank, was involved in many community events, and his friends are remembering the man who always had a smile on his face.

Bureau County State’s Attorney Pat Herrmann said he and Colmone went to high school and college together, and Colmone served as Herrmann’s campaign finance director for every election.

“We’ve been friends ever since,” he said. “He was a wonderful guy, a wonderful person, and he’ll be remembered for the smile on his face.”

Herrmann said Colmone was always happy to see a friend. He said his friend was always happy and positive.

“He’d always put a smile on your face with a story or a joke,” he said.

Spring Valley City Bank Chairman of the Board and former bank President Gordon Virgo said the bank has lost a friend.

“We have lost a wonderful person,” he said. “Greg always had a smile on his face and was willing to help you.”

Virgo said Colmone came to the bank more than 20 years ago as a loan officer, and he was still in lending but more in a supervisory position.

“He had so many people who knew him and liked him,” he said. “He was so active in so many things, and he was always willing to help.”

Former Spring Valley Mayor and City Clerk Joe Taliano said he worked with Colmone both on the city council when Colmone served as treasurer, and with the Jaycees.

Taliano said they worked together on many projects, and Colmone was always pleasant, cooperative and helpful, and called his death a great loss.

“He was so well-liked, and I was just so sorry,” he said. “He was easy to work with, and he was dedicated to the city.”

Mike Hurless, former president of the Spring Valley Walleye Club, said Colmone had been a close friend for quite a long time.

“He was the longest running crew chief of the Spring Valley Walleye Tournament,” he said. “He started the first year of the tournament in the late 1980s and has been doing it ever since.”