Charles "Chuck" Nicholas Colarelli

Charles “Chuck” Nicholas Colarelli, 87, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Chuck was born in Cañon, Colorado, on November 18, 1937, to Thomas Stephen Colarelli and Wilma Colarelli. He grew up in Clayton, New Mexico, where he was a proud member of the Clayton Yellowjackets, excelling in football, baseball, basketball, diving, and track. It was at Clayton High School that he met the love of his life, Virginia Carol (Wisdom) Colarelli. The two have been inseparable ever since, sharing nearly 70 years of life together.

Chuck attended Texas Tech University, where he majored in engineering. During his college years, he worked as an EMT and even modeled. After college, he returned to Amarillo and married Virginia on November 24, 1956. He began his career at the Bureau of Mines Helium Operation, where he dedicated 41 years of service before retiring.

Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was an avid fisherman and golfer who loved the outdoors and spent countless hours coaching his children and grandchildren in their sports. He was a gifted artist and woodsman with a broad creative mind, and a great mentor and teacher of life’s lessons, known for his strong hand and wonderful sense of humor.

He was one of the original members of the Lions Club in Amarillo and served as the club’s treasurer. A faithful Christian, he was a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church and was always volunteering to deliver food to those in need. He was also a strong advocate for the Council of the Blind in Amarillo.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Stephen Colarelli; his mother, Wilma Colarelli; his brother, Thomas Lee Colarelli; and his great-granddaughter, Lennon Burks.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Colarelli of Amarillo; and his children: Cylinda Colarelli of Amarillo, Valerie Patton and her husband Steven of Amarillo, Toni Ellison of Burnet, and Nick Colarelli and his wife Mona of Wichita Falls.

He was a proud grandfather to Anthony Burks and his wife Mercedes of College Station; Michael Burks of Burnet; Adam Herbig and his wife Rachael of Wichita Falls; Eric Herbig of Pittsburgh, PA; Chad Colarelli and his wife Brandie of Killeen; Chelsea Colarelli of Amarillo; Steven Patton and his wife Michelle of Fort Worth; Zach Patton and his husband Marcos of Portland, OR; Kurt Baker and Zoe Baker, both of Albuquerque, NM.

Chuck’s legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren: Zoe Herbig, Zach Herbig, Ethan Herbig, Jayce Herbig, and Brody Herbig of Wichita Falls; Nicoli Johnson, Aiden Burks, and Alex Burks of College Station; Lyric Dodgen of Amarillo; Brook Thomas and Thomas Colarelli of Killeen; and Annalynn Patton and Liam Patton of Fort Worth.

Chuck lived his life with passion, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and friends. His quiet strength, generous heart, and enduring spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

-Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made in the name of Charles Colarelli to the Council of the Blind, the Cancer Center, or Texas Oncology.