Joseph Colacecchi Sr

Memorial Services for Joseph Colacecchi, 95, of Indianola, formerly of Southern California, who passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, will be held 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Indianola. Graveside Service, with Military Honors, will be held 9:30 a.m., Thursday, October 9 in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel.

Joseph Colacecchi Sr., known to many as Chick, Grandpa Chicki, or simply Mr. C, lived a life filled with music, generosity, and love. Born and raised in Chicago to proud Italian immigrant parents, Joseph was the only son in a lively family of six children. Though surrounded by sisters, he carved his own path with humor, resilience, and a heart that was always open to others.

From his youth, Joseph carried music in his soul. He had a beautiful tenor voice and could often be found singing in choirs, lifting spirits with every note. But his talents didn't stop at music-Joseph also loved bowling and could be found at the lanes every Wednesday and Friday, where camaraderie and laughter always accompanied his game.

After serving his country as a radio man in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Joseph devoted 35 years as Chief Medical Technologist at the VA Hospital in Southern California. There, he worked with dedication and care, making a quiet but lasting impact on veterans and colleagues alike.

Joseph's love of the outdoors defined so much of who he was. As a Scout Master, he led countless camping trips, hikes, and fishing adventures, instilling a love of nature in others. His happiest moments were spent under the open sky with family and friends, teaching, guiding, and laughing along the way.

One of Joseph's greatest gifts was his generosity. For over 50 years, he organized spaghetti dinners that brought people together while raising money for countless organizations. His largest dinner served 1,500 people-a feat only possible for a man who never met a stranger and always believed in the power of community.

To know Joseph was to be welcomed with kindness. He had a gift for making everyone feel at home, no matter who they were. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and giving-a reminder that life is richest when shared with others.

Joseph's voice, his warmth, and his boundless generosity will be missed more than words can express, but his spirit will live on in the family, friends, and community he held so dear.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Joanne; children, Jay (Jonette) Colacecchi, Jane (Tom Farley) Colacecchi; grandchildren, Jamie Colacecchi, Julianne (Seth) Counsellor, Jessica (Brian) Neighbors, Joseph Colacecchi; great-grandchild, Evelyn Counsellor; sister, Annemarie Knoll; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by son, Joseph Colacecchi Jr.; parents, Gino and Susan Colacecchi; sisters, Lydia, Helen, Rita and Olga.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.