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BORN
1949
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Colsten Obituary
Kirkwood -
Michael F. Colsten Sr. Born January 18, 1949 in Binghamton, NY went to sleep with Jesus on Friday morning January 3rd at his home in the town of Kirkwood, NY. He was surrounded by his wife who never left his side, and all his children. He passed peacefully while songs of hymns and prayers were sung. Mike lived all his life in Kirkwood NY, although he loved traveling with his wife who he fell in love with at the age of 15 and was happily married to for 51 years. Mike retired from Don's Automotive Mall after 44 years of service as the General Manager. In the community, he is known for his 51 years of racing dirt modifies as the number 51. His racing career was notable and he is recognized in three racing hall of fames. He was a Sunday School teacher, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He saw the inner good and value of people, his gift was to encourage them to live in that value. Mike was predeceased by his father Francis William Colsten and mother Pauline (Mathewson) Raish. He is survived by; his wife Lea (Dirig) Colsten, and children Jerry, Jenny (Mark) Mickey, Jason (Karen), Julie (Nate), Joey (Adrienne) and sister Bonnie Beagell (Don), brother Steve Colsten (Pam), 14 grandchildren, and one great grandson. A Viewing will be held at THOMAS J SHEA FUNERAL HOME INC. 137 Robinson St. Binghamton, Monday January 6th from 3pm-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday January 7th at 9:30am at St. Mary of the Assumption, 37 Fayette St. Binghamton, NY. Burial will follow in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Jesus Film Project PO Box 628222 Orlando Fl. 32862 or Food for the Poor 6401 Lyons Rd PO Box 979004 Coconut Creek, FL 33097.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Colsten
Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.
Norris Family
January 21, 2020
We are so very sorry to hear of Mike's Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Colsten family during this difficult time.
Carl and Robin Williams
January 10, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our love and prayers go out to the family.
January 10, 2020
Thoughts and prayers with the Colsten family.
Chuck & Shannon Barnes
January 8, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man. So humble and kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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David Doig
January 8, 2020
So sorry for your lost.
God speed #51..
Darryl White
January 7, 2020
So sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family help assuage your grief. I remember back when Mike drove the white 1955/56 Ford #51 in the Late Models.
Carolyn (Fernald) Heath
January 7, 2020
So very sorry for your loss, Mike was a very good guy! My prayers go out to the entire family.
Tom & Sandy Williams
January 6, 2020
Our Thoughts & Prayers go out to Mike's Wife & Family. We attended many races to watch Mike race & he was never there alone--he Always had his wife & Family with him. He will be Missed by Everyone who knew him!!! God Bless His Family.
Mario Zambrano
January 6, 2020
Condolences to the Colsten family! "Thank you Michael Colsten for making difference and being an inspiration to all the lives that were touched." You will be missed dearly. Prayers to the Colsten family during these difficult times.
Thank you for your Inspiration! We will miss you!
Daniel Weaver
January 6, 2020
January 6, 2020
Growing up next door, there are so many memories of Mike. And of course hearing a car revving all the time. My sincere condolences and prayers for all of you
Alan Piaker
January 6, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Colsten family. May Mike's memory be a blessing to all of you.
Wayne Gleeson
January 6, 2020
From the Gleeson family our thoughts an prayers are with the Colstens on this sad day.
Frank Callan
January 6, 2020
I am proud to have known him and called him my friend for over 60 years. Mike was one of the most genuinely good people that God placed on this Earth. Never once in all those years did I ever hear Mike swear or say something bad about another person. The fact that he was here made this world a better place.
tom goodrich
January 6, 2020
We the Goodrich Family Would Like to send are Condolences To The Colsten Family Mike Will Be Greatly missed and Always Enjoyed Watching Mike Race He Was The Best Modified Driver In the Southern tier
The Sherwood Family
January 6, 2020
Our deepest condolences the the Colsten family - keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
timothy john merrill
January 6, 2020
he was very nice man i knew him from racing he will be very sadly missed god speed mike
Linda and Richard Ketzak
January 5, 2020
May Mike's spirit find as much joy in it's journey as he found in life. It was a honor to know mike and his family over the past year's. In Gods loving hands.
Terri Bennett
January 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and family in this time of your sadness. May he rest in peace.
Terri (Kutney) Bennett
Denise Honnick
January 5, 2020
for the whole family
Sharon
January 4, 2020
Such a kind and genuine man. Mike, you will be missed. Prayers for the family
Raymond & Cynthia Smith
January 4, 2020
God Bless this special, memorable, loving, caring guy. He touched many hearts, souls and that smile of his was infectious. You could always know if there was any need of your own....he was there by your side giving you comfort or giving his shirt off his back if that would help. RACING DAYS: Many times you'd see all ages routing, shouting or just around him cuz Mike had a special heart felt care for his fans, friends, and his family.
Your long, long hard fight may be over but we all know your in the Loving arms of Jesus. Recieving that wonderful comfort, love and this gives us all peace of mind and smiles in our hearts.
RIP MIKE
All of Love & you will be miss......
Ray & Cindy Smith
john butchko
January 4, 2020
rest in peace mike...your memory lives on
Donna Colton
January 4, 2020
With sympathies, Scott and Donna Colton
Kimberly Hall
January 4, 2020
Mike was a sweet man and a great race car driver. As a kid, my dad would take myself and my brother's to see him race every weekend and being a tomboy I loved every minute of it. He was loved by many and will be sadly missed. Rest easy Mike and God Bless. ❤
Bonnie & Don Beagell
January 4, 2020
We will be forever grateful for our time with Mike. He was a wonderful brother-neighbor-friend. Always there for us. A warrior for Jesus.
January 4, 2020
The Colsten Family!! He will always be remembered for his racing abilities. Awesome memories!! RIP Mike!!!
Broc Caswell
January 4, 2020
Sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed forever #51
Alan, Lisa, Brad Knapp
January 4, 2020
Sorry for the loss prayers for the colsten family. From the Knapps.
Robin & Casey Oltz
January 4, 2020
Lea and family: Just to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers, Mike was one of a kind, they don't make them like that anymore! He will certainly be missed.
Donna Seamans
January 4, 2020
To Colsten family, sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed loved him on the track with the 51. When they bought them on the wall for meet and greet went to his car first he was my favorite driver always talked to you What a great man Lord please take care of my number one modfiie driver In the world the 51 God bless
Christine Scott
January 4, 2020
The Colsten Family, Friends and Devoted Fans ~
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Mike. May he Rest Well. We send you love and comfort.
Dave Rumsey
Chris Scott
Kelly Wayman
January 4, 2020
I'm very saddened to hear mr. Mike has passed on.
My father dave wayman had worked wit mike at Don's auto, and back then he was always there to help out the the racecar. When I was young I loved to hear that engine rumble, its gonna be different not hearing how he did racing. Love will always be wit u now race hard win big , dad will help u out wit ur racecar up high in the sky. U will be deeply missed but never forgotten, love u
Nancy & Bill Jones
January 4, 2020
Lea and family, Bill & I are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. Hope you can find peace in knowing he's not suffering any more. He's in God's hands now and is at peace now. Remember the time you had with him and that will give you some peace and I hope some strength to help you through this tough time
Helena WINCHESTER
January 4, 2020
Steve and I are so very sorry to learn of Mike's passing. We have so many fond memories of taking Steve's Dad, Charlie to watch Mike race and then go to pits to talk with him. God speed, Mike.
Paul & Linda Jones
January 4, 2020
We are deeply saddened to hear this. Our prayers and thoughts to the whole Colsten family. Mike will be missed by all.
January 4, 2020
I send my sincere condolences to Mike's immediate and extended families. Although we lost touch, I know that Mike was a loving, caring, giving person. May God bless his soul and comfort his loved one's.
Ray Boyd
Dawn & Brian Badger
January 4, 2020
Deepest sympathies. We are so sorry for your loss.
Roxanne Eaves
January 4, 2020
Joey & Adrienne
So very sorry for your loss. May your memories help you though you time of grief.
January 4, 2020
We have lost a great man, Mike and I became friends way back to our cross country days at Windsor High. Mike was devoted to his wife and family and to our savior Jesus Christ. Rest in Peace my friend.
Karol & Charlie Swantak
January 4, 2020
Jen and family .... our hearts are broken for you. Your dad was a great man and will be so missed by all. Our prayers are now for you and your entire family.
Kim Collins
January 4, 2020
A definite LEGAND in the racing community, you will b greatly missed.. RIP #51
Troy Gray
January 3, 2020
Condolences to the family
Skip and Pat Robbins
January 3, 2020
So very sorry for your loss
Greg Freeman
January 3, 2020
So sad to hear the loss of Mike remembering so many good times with Mike and Lea at ARA conventions!
May your healing be swift and your memories be sweet.
Prayers to all!
Greg and Shirley Freeman
Brenda Wayman
January 3, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss he was a very great guy and he's in heaven with my dad david wayman , they will never ever be forgotten that's for sure
Andrea Sochor (Dave Rumsey's Daughter)
January 3, 2020
Colsten Family,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Mike's passing. What a wonderful legacy he left behind. May God be with you during this difficult time. You're in my thoughts.
Alta Neville
January 3, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the Colsten family during this difficult time.... but praise the LORD, he is home with his redeemer! RIP Mike til we meet again....
Stephanie Frisbie
January 3, 2020
Sending love and prayers to the family during this difficult time! May you always hold loving memories of your loved one close to your hearts! May God comfort all of you!
~Our Deepest Condolences
The Frisbie Family
Ruth Shoemaker
January 3, 2020
Lea n Family my condolences for your loss My first time meeting Mike was right after i got married and my husband(Ralph Sr.) Took me to the track. On our wedding night Mike told me at least he isnt racing. Mike was a great man and will be missed .RIP MIKE
carl Nagel
January 3, 2020
Lea and family, so sorry about Mike,
thinking of you all.
Bob Getchell
January 3, 2020
My prayers are with you all. Mike will be greatly missed, He was a great friend to many and we all loved him
Bob Getchell
Melissa L
January 3, 2020
Such a wonderful picture of Mike. I grew up watching Number 51 race. My condolences to his family.His community will miss rooting for him.
Robert Kochis
January 3, 2020
My condolences to the whole Colsten family. Thoughts and prayers to you all during this most difficult time. RIP Mike. God speed .
Dick Matson
January 3, 2020
We send our condolences to the Colsten family. May he Rest In Peace. He will be forever missed, but there are many memories to remember him. We can all cherish these good memories to remember him. Our time spent representing Pepsi at Five Mile Point,PennCan,etc brought our family together with your family. Our children went to school together at Chenango Valley.Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Matson's
Dick, Debbie, Laura,Tracy and Dickie
Mary Ann Kocan
January 3, 2020
Dear Lee and family, My heart goes out to u all I can truly say I understand What you all are going through I lost John just a year ago to bladder cancer My prayers and thoughts are with you all
Sue Buchta
January 3, 2020
Legend 51. My family watched and cheered for Mike for many years at 5 mile pt. Condolences to his Wife and family. Very sad day for all.
Jill and Marc Latini
January 3, 2020
Very sorry, keeping all of you in our prayers.
Floyd &Cheryl Bronson
January 3, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Melanie Randall
January 3, 2020
RIP Mike, you will be greatly missed. Prayers for your family.
Steve Amy Clay n Jenni Uplinger
January 3, 2020
He Was the One that Saved the Day n showed Gods Love to us all. Steve is heartbroken n we will all miss his smile, wit, humor, n the way he said it just so that you knew the point n were not offended cause he put it in such a loving manner. He showed us all the way to live n love life! God Bless you all
Heidi Kipp
January 3, 2020
Prayers to You And your family
Eugene Beach
January 3, 2020
this absolutely breaks my heart he will be forever missed god speed #51 forever gonna miss you mike, prayers to the entire colsten family
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