Thomas Edward Colli

Thomas Edward Colli
A beloved family man and longtime resident of Ware, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 17, 2019 at the age of 78. Tom was the proud son of an Italian immigrant and was a self-made businessman. He was born August 31, 1941 in the Bronx, NY. Tom grew up in Bergenfield, NJ and graduated from Bergenfield High in 1961, then attended Johnson State College in VT. He was predeceased by his mother, Josephine Scuitti Colli, father Thomas E. Colli and his son Thomas J. Colli.
Tom wed his high school sweetheart Margaret, together they raised four wonderful children; Thomas, Barbara, Joseph and Lisa. Tom was an avid hiker and sportsman and enjoyed many Fall hunting trips to Vermont with his best friend Gus Pesce. Tom was the co-owner of the Ware Gun Shop for a time and founded Tom Colli Associates in 1971. As an established member in the sporting goods business he was considered by many as a legend in his field. Second to his family, Tom’s business was his passion, he believed “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” He was a communicant of All Saints Church in Ware.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Margaret McClelland Colli, of Ware; brother Peter T. Colli, and his wife Gloria of Haworth NJ; sisters-in-law, Marianne Graff, and Eileen Cummings, also of NJ; Daughter Barbara Colli Richards and her husband Kevin of Williamsburg, MA; son Joseph P. Colli and wife Raymona of Staten Island, NY; and daughter Lisa Colli Hogan and husband Thomas of Southampton, MA. “Pop-Pop” will be dearly remembered always by his 6 grandchildren; Nathan, William, Colin and Michael Hogan, Ava Richards and Joseph T. Colli. Tom could always be found spending time with his grandchildren, attending their various sporting events and cheering them on.
Tom will be missed dearly by his family and friends. The heaviness in our hearts is only lightened by the wonderful and fond memories we have of him.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday November 23rd at All Saints Church, Ware, MA at 11:00am. Burial will follow in New St. Williams Cemetery, Ware, MA. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 22nd from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Cebula Funeral Home, 66 South Street, Ware, MA. Memorial donations can be made to All Saints Church, 17 North St., Ware, MA 01082.