John Colley

DELAWARE - John "Jay" Colley, 74, of Delaware passed away Monday morning June 9, 2014, at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital in Westerville.

He was born March 3, 1940 in Ashland, Ky., to the late Arnold and Irene Colley. Jay served his country as a member of the United States Army and retired from Advance Auto Parts Warehouse, where he worked as a fork lift operator.

A life member of the AmVets Post #102 of Delaware, he enjoyed fishing, golf, and time spent at the casino. In his younger years he was a model for Lazarus. Fun loving and always the jokester, he was a true character. Well-traveled, he had a keen memory and knowledge of life.

Jay enjoyed the ocean, but treasured time spent with his family and grandchildren, especially when they all gathered for Sunday dinner.

Left to cherish John's memory is his wife of 16 years Pat (Mellen), sister Donna Moore of Delaware, children Neil, Jody, and Michelle, beloved step-children Ron (Gay) O'Harra, Kim (Mike) Estes, Mel (Kathleen) Powell all of Delaware. He was the proud grandpa to Thane, Jenna, R.J., Angie, Jeremy, Jacob, Nicole, Monica, and Amber, and great grandfather to Aiden, Cameron, Conner, and Ashton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, 100 year old mother-in-law Edna Mellen, and very dear friends Tim (Michele) Hackett and Tim (Crystal) Queen.

He was also preceded in death by brother Bob, and brother-in-laws Ron Moore and Joe Mellen.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12, from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Snyder Rodman Funeral Center, 1510 W. William Street at Valleyside Drive, Delaware and where Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jake Lozano officiating. The Delaware County Veterans Association will provide military honors at the funeral home. The family will then host a reception in the Snyder Rodman Community Room. Burial will be at a later date in Cheshire Cemetery.

Contributions in John's memory may be made to his wife to assist with final expenses.

Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.