John P. Colwell Sr.

1934 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of John P Colwell Sr. of Pittsfield, MA. John left this earth on March 22, 2024. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife Dolores, daughter Mary and son Paul. John was born in Pittsfield, Ma. on June 24, 1934 to the late Arthur and Catherine (Carty) Colwell. He attended St. Joseph Catholic school throughout his primary education where he was known as "Jack" graduating in 1951. He was a dedicated Alter Boy. John participated in theater during his high school years and played the male lead in his senior play.

Following graduation, John was eager to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He joined the United States Navy. He received a top-secret security clearance while assigned as a radio operator on the ship where he served. He loved to share stories of his military experiences with his family and was proud that several of his children and grandchildren also continued his legacy to serve in the military.

John's post military career started with O.W. Landergren working for his beloved late brother-in-law Paul. It was through Paul and his wife, Frances, that John met his wife Dolores (sister to Frances). John married the love of his life and together created 62 years of love and laughter.

John's career as a Foreman in metal fabrication led him to Lipton Steel for 22 years and then Beloit Jones as General Foreman for 8 years until his retirement in 1996. In addition to his career, John, along with Dolores, became foster parents to children with special needs. For more than 40 years, fostering and advocating was part of his life and in 1989 he and Dolores were named Foster Parents of the Year in Berkshire County.

John loved doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading the Eagle in its entirety and watching Jeopardy and old movies with his wife. He was an avid gardener and golfer. He was a long-time member of Berkshire Hills Country Club where he forged decades-long friendships and could share a story as if it happened yesterday.

John was a lifelong NY Yankees and NY Giants Fan! His loyalty to these teams never wavered.

John loved his children wholeheartedly and will be missed dearly by Denise, Springfield, VA; Dorene (Paul) DiTomasso, Chester, VA; Kevin (Peggy), Mechanicsville, VA; Mary (Charlene), Williamsburg, MA; Paul, Ballston Spa, NY; and John Junior, Charlotte, NC. He was predeceased by his son Danny and his beloved foster daughter and best buddy, Michelle who lived at home until her death on Christmas Day 2020.

John was lovingly known as "Papa" to his grandchildren and he will live on through all the memories of mystery trips, summer vacations, and the epic pilgrimages to Mount Greylock, Bear Town and the Albany Museum. He is survived by The Honorable Paul Elio DiTomasso (Karla), Amie Rose DiTomasso, "the twins" Joshua and Jonathan Colwell (Kimberly), Nora Colwell, Sean Colwell (Alicia), Catlin Colwell, Carter Colwell (Leslie), Hanna Colwell, John P Colwell III, Kelly Colwell, and Ryan Colwell. He was predeceased by baby Jack Colwell.

John was blessed to live long enough to bestow much love and fun on his four great grandchildren: Matthew and Noah Colwell, Elia DiTomasso and Ayla Colwell.

John is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. All of whom can share a joyful memory and one of his pearls of wisdom. John is survived by his older brother, Arthur Colwell of Danvers MA. John's younger brother, J. Richard Colwell, passed away in January 2022.

It is nearly impossible to capture the essence of John in just one writing. He was affectionately known as "Cactus Jack" by his sons and their friends. He is still fondly remembered by many neighbors on Kenwood Street where he and Dolores raised their family.

John spent the last six months at Craneville Place in Dalton, Mass. John's wife Dolores and their family want to thank the staff on Unit Three for all the devoted care, kindness and respect that they gave John during his stay.

A celebration of John's life will be held, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, with Rev. Steven Montesanti, officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, in care of the funeral home for the care they gave to John during his final journey.