The founder of East Side Enterprises built a company that today includes the Seasons Corner Market convenience chain.

By CSD Staff

Mario Coletta, founder of East Side Enterprises LLC, which comprises dozens of gas stations, convenience stores, car washes, service centers, auto sales and towing facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts passed away June 28 at the age of 88.

Along with Motiva Enterprises LLC, East Side Enterprises is part of a joint venture known as Colbea Enterprises LLC, which operates and supplies Shell-branded products throughout a growing network of over 100 locations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including the Seasons Corner Market convenience chain.

Born in Italy, Coletta came to this country at the age of eight, started his family and served honorably in the Korean War. After he was discharged, he worked as a gas station attendant while learning the business. The young entrepreneur soon opened his first service station in Providence, where he began to grow his business.

Andrew Delli Carpini, CEO of Colbea Enterprises, said the loss to the company and the community is impactful.

“Mario was an incredible man, who I will miss dearly. I wish that everyone could have known him as well as I did, since his true caring, funny and generous personality would have been what was remembered,” Delli Carpini said. “I will truly miss my friend, father-in-law, and mentor and I can only hope he will be happy with the decisions that I make in the future.”

Coletta was laid to rest in Cranston, R.I. July 2, following a long procession of tow trucks and flatbeds that arrived from across the state to pay respects to the popular business leader.

The Coletta family said donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter 245 Waterman St. Suite 306 Providence, RI 02906-5215.