Joseph A. Colleran

Joseph Aloysius Colleran

March 13, 1929 – February 26, 2026

Joseph Aloysius Colleran, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, February 26, 2026, at The Oaks Nursing Center in Denville. He was 96.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Joe built a life centered on family, service and dedication. He met his wife, JoAnn, through a Catholic singles group, and they were married in 1960. They raised their four children in Parsippany, NJ, where they lived for nearly half a century before moving to The Oaks at Denville in 2016.

Fatherhood was at the center of Joe's life. Whether camping with his sons' Boy Scout troops, tending his garden, planning summer trips to the New Jersey Shore, or simply showing up day after day with consistency and care, Joe's greatest joy was being a dad – and later, a grandfather.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War era and was honorably discharged in 1955. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham University and went on to receive his master's degree from New York University. Following his military service, he began a long and successful career with Irving Trust Commercial Bank in New York. Through dedication and leadership, he rose to become Vice President of the International Division before retiring in 1988.

An expert in letters of credit and international banking, Joe was widely respected for his precision and integrity. Even in retirement, his expertise remained in demand, and he served as an expert witness in cases involving international trade and banking practices. He loved sharing stories of his international travels and the people he met along the way.

A devout Catholic, Joe lived his faith through action. He served as a lector, taught English as a Second Language, and quietly gave his time wherever it was needed.

Joe was a voracious reader and devoted student of history. A lifelong learner, he continued reading and taking writing classes well into his 90s. He always had a book recommendation at the ready. He was an avid moviegoer who rarely missed a film praised by Roger Ebert and, alongside JoAnn, introduced his children to the magic of live theater, art and music.

A passionate New York sports fan, Joe faithfully cheered on the Mets, Giants and Rangers through every season. He collected stamps, followed current events closely, and delighted in time spent with his grandchildren.

Kind, down-to-earth and quick with a pun, Joe had a gift for making others feel welcome. He will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, devotion to family, and the quiet dignity with which he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity and service that will continue through the generations.

Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his brother, Gene McHale; and his granddaughter, Angela Colleran.

He is survived by his son Joe Colleran and his wife, Pam; son Tom Colleran and his wife, Huong; son Jim Colleran; and daughter Mary Colleran and her partner, Greg Spyreas. He is also survived by five cherished grandchildren: Meaghan Keenan and her spouse, Dan; Kelly Lemieux and her husband, Tim; Katie Colleran; Daniel Colleran; and Michael Colleran.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Christopher R.C. Church, 1050 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, NJ. (973) 887-3235 or www.partroyfuneralhome.com.