A local man who has served the community for decades has died tragically in a car crash while working out of state.
According to police in Bastrop, Texas, on October 6th, at just after 6:00 a.m., City of Bastrop Police officers were dispatched to a 2 vehicle, head on collision at FM 969 and Blakey Drive.
A male was stopped on the improved shoulder adjusting his bicycle chain when a Dodge Ram driving Southbound on FM 969 observed him. The juvenile driver of the Dodge Ram swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid the male, the Dodge Ram collided with a Nissan Rogue that was traveling in the Northbound lanes of FM 969, the Nissan rogue hit a fence and came to a stop in a pasture. A third vehicle (a Subaru) traveling Northbound on FM 969, simultaneously collided with the Dodge Ram.
The driver of the Dodge Ram and the driver of the Subaru sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital, a passenger in the Nissan, a coworker, was taken to an Austin hospital with minor injuries; the male pedestrian received no injuries.
The driver of the Nissan was 66-year-old Carl Colangelo of New Bedford who suffered fatal injuries.
Colangelo was reportedly on his way to a customer site.
According to an obituary, “Carl loved his community. He was a member of the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, and served for almost 30 years on the Feast Committee. He was a proud festeiro and was honored to serve as president of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in 2025. His love and passion for the feast brought him many lifelong friends. Carl earned his fourth-degree black belt in jiu-jitsu, training under the late Paul Guilbeaut. Carl became dedicated to learning the martial art, even involving his daughters from a young age. Carl was also a member of the Police Chief’s Advisory Board for the City of New Bedford.”
International Electronic Components Inc. described Colangelo as a kind, caring, and truly likeable man.
“..losing him is profound – not just professionally but personally as well. His untimely passing reminds us how important, not just the value of life is, but how important it is to be authentic and gracious to all whose lives we touch. We will miss you, Carl, we will remember you with utmost fondness. Rest in peace.”
Carl’s funeral will be held Tuesday, October 20th at 10AM at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford. Visitation will be Monday, October 19th 4-8PM at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford. Family and friends are invited.
In lieu of flowers, it is asked to please consider donating to his two daughters’ education fund. “Carl cherished their education and worked his whole life to see them succeed.” Here is the direct link: https://digital.fidelity.com/prgw/digital/familygifting/mlgLandingPage?uuid=270c4fd64b634a3db0ea3279faac0ed1
For family and friends who are unable to attend the Mass of Christian Burial, you may view it on livestream by clicking this link: tinyurl.com/carlcolangelo
The crash is under investigation.
