Maxine R. "Maxie" Colacino

Maxine (Immaculata) Rose Colacino, 97, passed away on June 2, 2023 with her three daughters by her side.

Maxine was born in Des Moines on November 28, 1925 to Anthony Rizzuti and Frances (Lucia) Rizzuti.

The legendary Maxine was well known as Maxie of Maxie’s Restaurant & Lounge. Along with her husband Michael, they pioneered several known restaurants and bars in the Des Moines area. The Boars Head Lounge, The West End, The Rainbow Club, The Brass Rail, Benzini’s, and MI-MAX diner. Judge Roy Beans was opened by Maxine and Michael and Pam and Jeff Baker carried on ownership for 28 years, while Max continued to tend bar until she was 80! Her joy was greeting the regular customers over the years and safe guarding the cash register. Once an attempted robbery failed because her response to “Give me the money” was “Hold on, I need to check with the owner.”

All were always welcome at her home, no matter the time and rest assured she could offer you a snack from her personal “Walmart Room! If you know, you know.” Max was spunky, fun loving and our firecracker. She always lit up the room.

It’s time to say good-bye. We will never stop missing you and will continue to cheer you with a Fireball shot.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary (David) Golbuff of Fort Collins, CO, Pam Baker of West Des Moines, IA, Sheree (Jim) Lambert of Loveland, CO; and son-in-law, Brad Blasi of Fort Collins, CO. She was known as Grammy Max & GiGi by her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and as she was the Matriarch of the Lucia family, she will be remembered by numerous cousins and friends.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Michael J. Colacino; her parents; her brother, Joe Rizzuti; sister, Kay Burns; and most recently by her loving son, Michael A. Colacino of Fort Collins, CO.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with the Rosary at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow on Monday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines.

A special thank you to Maggie’s Place, where she proudly taught all of the staff swear words in Italian.

Donations may be made in loving memory of Max to the Dementia Society of America or Maggie’s Place in Grimes, IA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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