Joseph (Joe) John Colao Sr., age 90, died peacefully at home July 16, 2021, with his loving wife of 25 years, Kelly, whose care provided comfort every day.
Joe was born in Brooklyn and lived in Lincroft for over 65 years. He grew up in Cliffside Park and earned a basketball scholarship to Lafayette College where he received a degree in chemical engineering. He married Helene Joan Carhart in 1953 and they had four children: Elizabeth, Karen, Fran and Jay. Helene passed away in 1996.
One of five brothers, Joe was a brilliant man, hardworking, reliable, unassuming, upbeat and had the kindest, clearest blue-green eyes.
Following a long career with companies such as Allied and M&T Chemical, he founded Electronic Renaissance Corp., a dream come true for him as he loved to work and be his own boss.
A devout Roman Catholic he ushered at Mass every week and was a devoted CCD teacher well into his 80s. He instilled a love and dedication for education and service and thrift and respect for the dollar by having his children collect green stamps for anything he considered extra. He expected them to work as soon as possible. Joe was also an ace tennis player, avid golfer and a founding member of Bamm Hollow Country Club.
He never missed a birthday for all his loved ones and loved Christmas Eve and the traditions of his Italian family. He loved to sing Christmas carols, including his favorite, “O Holy Night.”
He relished his role as Poppy to Meaghan, John, Paige, Bud, JJ, Holly, Corrine, Lilly and Michael. He continued to shower love to his six great-grandchildren and enjoyed Friday dinners with his stepson Jon and wife Amy, along with their children, Jayden, Gavin, Alyssa and Gianna.
He gathered us at Lake George for fun games and delicious meals. He was a prolific reader and lifelong learner; he always asked the right questions to get to the “heart of the matter” and “fundamental” point.
He cherished his weekly card games with his brothers Tony and Sal. He reminded us often of how much he missed his other brothers, Angelo and John.
We celebrate that we were part of his life. We’ll continue to eat pasta and Carvel ice cream in his honor and above all stay humble and kind to all because that’s what he wanted.
Visitation was held July 21 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 22, at St. James RC Church in Red Bank. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Maryknoll Missionaries, P.O. Box 307, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545 and Covenant House, 340 West 17th St., New York, N.Y. 10011.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the July 22 – 28, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
