Michael Colletta Obituary

Former Alaska State Sen. Michael J. Colletta, 82, died Jan. 24, 2007, in Largo, Fla., where he had made his home since retiring in 2000. Death came following a stroke.
A memorial service was Sunday in Largo.
Born Sept. 1, 1924, in Chicago to Joseph and Gertrude Colletta, Mike grew up in Renton, Wash.. As a teenager, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the 4th Marine Division in the South Pacific during World War II. He earned a Purple Heart in the invasion of Iwo Jima. He later served with the U.S. Army in Europe.
Following his military service, Colletta returned to the Seattle area. He moved to Anchorage in 1952 and worked for Stepp Brothers Ford before starting his own business, the Colletta Corp.
Mike was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1970 and then went on to serve three terms in the Alaska State Senate, where he was both majority and minority leader. He played a key role in establishing the governing body for the Alaska Permanent Fund. His interest in improving amenities and recreational opportunities for his South Anchorage constituency resulted in construction of a swimming pool for Service High School, additional park space in the Oceanview area, bike trails, and Little League baseball facilities. He made an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor in 1982 on the Republican ticket.
He left Alaska in 1984 to live in Mississippi, then returned to work for the Alaska State Housing Authority. In 1992, he moved to Florida to work for the St. Petersburg Housing Department, and also worked in Washington, D.C., for the District of Columbia Housing Authority. He returned to the Seattle area to work for the Washington State Housing Authority before retiring to Florida in 2000.
He is survived by his wife, Dartega Colletta of Largo; son, Mike Jr. and daughter-in-law, Shan Colletta, and their two sons, Cade and Kyle, of Kosciusko, Miss.; sister, Mary Ceccarelli of Hawaii; niece, Trish Wilson and husband Joe Wilson of Chugiak; nephew, Michael Bing of Novato, Calif.; and nieces, Joan Meister of Hawaii and Nancy McCauley of Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Lucille Bing, formerly of Anchorage.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jan. 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Colletta

9 Entries

Jen Partch-Briske

December 14, 2022

Hi Mike
It´s Jen Partch-Briske, I was in the old neighborhood thinking about growing up and wondering what ever happened to you . I´m sorry about your dad passing so many years ago ! My husband kids grandkids still here . Hope you are happy and healthy! Reach out if you would like . 907227-5246 Jen

Melinda Hager

February 14, 2007

Tega, my heart felt condolences go to you and the entire Colletta family. I had the opportunity to meet Mike while working as a Cardiac Rehab Nurse at Bay Area Heart Center in St. Petersburg, Fl. He was very supportive of me during my decision to move from St. Pete to Anchorage. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grief. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Respectfully, Melinda

Chuck Champion

February 12, 2007

Mike was a good friend of mine for many years while we lived in Alaska. He exemplified what Alaska is all about and I feel priviledged to have known him. We'll all miss him

Ann-Marie Lindboe

February 2, 2007

I worked with Mike at the Alaska State Housing Authority and then saw him again when he was working for the State of Washington, CTED. I enjoyed talking with Mike and especially his stories about his time in Alaska and Alaska politics.

Ronald Brockway

February 1, 2007

Our condolences to the Colletta family. We used to enjoy Mike so much when he had his shop next to ours and he would come over and play a game of cards or to just visit. We used to kid him about being a crook and he would say that"
He knew it but he was an honest one." I will miss him and his true values. Ronald Brockway; American Stratigraphic Co. Anchorage

Ray Tyson

February 1, 2007

I had the honor and privilege of working for Mike on staff in Juneau and also served as his press secretary during his successful run for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor back in the early 1980s. I can't think of anyone who contributed more to Alaska than Mike, whether it be his role in establishing the Alaska Permanent Fund, or securing state funds to build Little League ball parks. More important, Mike was a true gentleman, always putting the needs of others before his own. Mike Colletta will surely be missed.

Sharon & Lisa Wallingford

January 31, 2007

My sympathy to you the family he loved. My family lived in Anchorage during the 70s and 80s and during those years I served on the Alaska PTA Board and helped to implement the Slingerland programs in schools throughout the Anchorage School District and Anchorage Community College. Mike was there to help.

Christian Andrews

January 31, 2007

Mike Colletta was like a second father to me, and his son Mike Jr. is one of my oldest friends, having grown up together just two houses away in Oceanview. I'll always remember how he always seemed to be smiling. All us kids had a great time helping on his election campaigns, and were very sad when he lost the election for Lt. Governor, running with Tom Fink. I think Oceanview Park should be renamed in his honor; after all he was the one got us that great park we spent so much time playing in!!

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results