Joseph S. Collentro

1935 - 2021

Joseph Sebastian Collentro, 85, formerly from Littleton and Acton, has finished his lifelong adventure. Joe passed away peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2021 at The Oasis at Dodge Park in Worcester. Joe woke each day as if it was his first. His family, friends and countless others will remember Joes zest of life, his love for and devotion to his family, his tireless work ethic and his dedication and service to the community. Joe was born on June 18, 1935 in Boston and raised in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School (1953) and Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA (1957) with a BS in Economics. Joe then graduated from the Naval Officer Candidate School (1957) with a commission as an ensign, US Navy. He served for four years. Joe married the love of his life, Donna Lee Kennett in November, 1957. They recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Joe and Donna raised five children and are blessed with 11 grandchildren. Joe had a successful career in the high tech industry. Joe worked primarily for Honeywell and Digital Equipment Corporation in various procurement management positions; traveling worldwide and receiving many accolades. He served as New England president of The Purchasing Management Association of Boston (PMAB). After "retiring" in 1992, Joe started his own consulting business. Joe gave his time to many communities, parishes and organizations. Joe served as several offices of the Billerica Jaycees, belonged to Knights of Columbus in Billerica and Oklahoma City and served on Town Planning Boards in Billerica and Littleton. He also started a school PTA, was as an active member of F&Ms alumni association and his high school reunion committee. Joe was an active member of his many parishes. Most recently, Joe belonged to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul St. Anne Conference. While living in Littleton, Joe was an instrumental member of the town committees overseeing the improvements to the schools, renovations of both the middle school and fire station and the construction of a new police headquarters. Joe had a passion for sports. He played football, baseball and hockey in high school and hockey in college. He also enjoyed golf. He coached youth baseball teams and was a high school football referee. Joe was always passionate about his teams - Atlanta (Boston) Braves, NY Yankees, NE Patriots and Notre Dame Football. Joe loved reading good spy mysteries and listening to big band music. Joe shared a deep appreciation for fire, police and rescue departments he often listened to the scanner and always knew what was happening. Joe was the oldest son of the late Joseph V. and Lena (Neufell) Collentro. His youngest son, Brian and brother, James predeceased him. Joe leaves behind his beloved wife Donna, son J. Scott Collentro and his wife, Ann of Groton, MA; daughter Terri Collentro Morte and her husband, Stephen Morte of SC; daughter Lisa and her husband, Robert Curry of Littleton; son Jeff Collentro of RI; his predeceased son Brians widow, Lisa E Collentro; and brother, William Collentro and his wife Caroline of North Falmouth, MA. Joe also leaves behind eleven grandchildren - John, Andy and Kate Collentro; Marston and Marissa Morte; Kyle and Courtney Curry; Brittany, Brooke, Jack and Jason Collentro. In addition, half-brothers Paul J and Bruce G predeceased Joe and he leaves behind half-brothers Robert J, Kevin L, Lance and Richard Collentro and half-sisters Nina Moore and Karen Weston. Due to Covid-19 precautions, the family will have a private service and burial with military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery, Acton. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joseph can be made to either: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Anne Conference, 75 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460. Donations can also be made online (svdboston.org/donate) with special instructions noted for St. Anne Conference, Littleton. or: Massachusetts General Hospital - Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center; Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114, Attention: Kylie Baruffi. Donations can also be made online ( https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/). Please be sure to indicate that the gift is a tribute gift in memory of Joseph. Joe always loved a great party. Our family will honor his wishes with a celebration of his life at a later time. Please go to Acton Funeral Home website (https://www.actonfuneralhome.com) for an online memorial. Notes can be mailed to Family of Joseph Collentro, P.O. Box 1333, Littleton, MA 01460.