Joseph P. Colgan

With profound sorrow we share the passing of Joseph "Joe" Colgan who left us before we were ready on December 8th, 2025 just shy of his 66th birthday.

Joe was born in Somerville, raised in Edison and spent summers in Lavallette enjoying the Jersey Shore. As a proud Veteran of the US Navy, he had so many adventures traveling to different countries while serving his own.

Joe began his professional career in 1988 at Pathmark and moved up through the company to store management. He remained with them for 29 years until they closed and later transitioned to a similar role for Saker Shoprite. From store to store and year to year Joe had the opportunity to meet, engage with and impact so many lives. From co-workers in his stores to local shoppers, he was known and loved.

Joe's greatest accomplishment and by far what he was most proud of were his beautiful children. The love he had for each of them and the bonds they shared were incredibly special. He was able to show them how a father loves his children, how to be strong men who now provide for their families and how no matter how old you get you will always be your daddy's little girl. Christopher, Ann, Matthew, Nicholas and Zachary will take so many life lessons learned from Joe and apply them in their own lives and pass them on to their children. Could there be anything more important in life than leaving a legacy behind that will live on long after you're gone.

He was blessed with nine amazing grandchildren that lit up his world on a daily basis. Being Pop meant everything to him. He learned Snapchat and filters to be able to send funny messages and videos to them and was never afraid to be as silly as possible to make them laugh. I think their favorite line will always be when their Pop would say, "I have that SAME outfit"! No matter what they were wearing he would say he had that same thing! Addison, Aria, DJ, Jack, Ben, Riley, Belle, Tyler and Dean, you each brought him so much love and joy.

Joe's siblings were Joe's support system both as they grew up but especially in these later years. He got through some of the most difficult days because they were by his side and cheering him on. From calls and texts to visits and going for walks, their ability and desire to show up for him made Joe's heart so full. With Frank, Maryellen and Geri he felt loved, cared for and safe always.

Joe was blessed with nieces and nephews he loved dearly and we would be remiss if in this moment did not once again thank his niece Cassie for selflessly becoming his kidney donor in 2020. The life she provided him this past 5 years is something there are no words for. Each day, week, month was possible because of her. Her contact in his phone is, Cassie My Life Saver and she was exactly that.

Joe's mother-in-law Adele, who he lovingly referred to as Manuela was like the mom he has missed for so many years. She was a great source of support, love and humor. She believed everything he said so he created wild and sometimes ridiculous stories that she never doubted and then they would just laugh and laugh about it but during the quiet times he would say how much he loved and appreciated her and that she made each day so special and that their home wouldn't be the same without her.

Joe met the love of his life 26 years ago at a Coinstar machine in Pathmark. Kimberly jammed the machine, Joe fixed it and the rest is history! And what a history it has been. It's hard to put into words what you experience with another person over that length of time but as the years went by the foundation became stronger and together they withstood what would have broken most. Anyone who knows them will say that Kimberly took care of Joe and she truly did in every sense of the word. She was faithfully by his side no matter what came their way. She was a fierce defender and protector of Joe and loved him so deeply. But Joe's love for Kimberly was just as deep. She was his world, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he reminded her of this each and every day. He supported her in anything she wanted to do, most notably in her career and she will always say if it weren't for that support, she would not be doing what she was always meant to. To be lucky enough in life to find your soul mate is such a gift and one that will always be remembered.

Joe's loss will be felt so deeply for years to come. His strength will be a reminder that we can push through even the hardest of times. Joe pushed until his very last step in this life and then walked into heaven where he will forever be at peace.

Joe was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Frank and Ann Colgan, and his father-in-law, Peter Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to the Tunnels to Towers foundation by clicking here.