Joseph Colonnese Jr.

1945 - 2026

Joseph Colonnese Jr.
February 28, 1945 - February 18, 2026
Joseph Colonnese, Jr., 80, died peacefully on February 18, 2026, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital/Venice campus. Born in New Haven, Connecticut he was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Katherine Colonnese and sisters Ruth (Thomas) Cariglio and Dorothy Colonnese. He leaves his wife Patricia (Roche) Colonnese of 57 years and children Melissa Gordon (Marc) and Christopher Colonnese (Sarah). Grandchildren Joseph Capozzo, Samantha (Jonathan) Seiler, Shane Gordon, Claudia Capozzo, Hannah Colonnese, and Emma Colonnese. He also leaves his niece Joanne Prete, and nephews Tommy Carigilio (Andrea) and Eric Hauser. He graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and attended Southern Connecticut University. He spent seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
An entrepreneur beginning in his early 20s, he owned and operated several packaging and shipping companies (Indefco, JC Industries) from 1970 – 1993 in New Haven and West Haven Connecticut. In 1994 he started a concierge/transportation service company primarily working with Yale University personnel and meeting world dignitaries visiting Yale campus. This was the most rewarding experience of his working years having had the opportunity to meet people from around the world and develop long-lasting friendships.
Joseph was well known in the community, involved with many city committees receiving recognition for years of dedication. He was the Board Chairman for the Water Pollution Control Authority where he was recognized for his leadership. He was a member of the Governor's Counsel for Long Island Sound where he assisted in coordinating Queen Elizabeth's visit. He was a long-time member of the City Point Yacht Club having held the position of Commodore and many other key roles. Boating was at the heart of his soul. He spent many summers on Long Island Sound and Block Island, creating cherished memories. Melissa and Chris have carried on those traditions, sharing them with their children and creating new memories of their own.
In retirement, he and his wife lived in Venice, Florida where he (again) was involved in the community. He was a volunteer at The Venice Theater, and Venice Main Street (tourism). He was a parishioner of the Epiphany Church for over 15 years, and he served on the HOA Board and several committees within his community.
The family would like to thank the staff at SMH/Venice especially Alina Popa, MD, Jodi Walker APRN, and nurses Casey, Marissa and Isabella and others on the 4th floor. Their care and compassion that went above and beyond. They would also thank John Baga, MD and Sampath Manickam, MD for years of care.
A visitation will be held at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford, Connecticut on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. with a Catholic service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations in Joseph's name may be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org. Please see his online memorial at www.wsclancy.com