Joseph Peter "Joey" Koleff

JOSEPH PETER KOLEFF "JOEY" CROWN POINT, IN Joseph "Joey" Peter Koleff, age 59, of Crown Point, IN, passed away suddenly with loving family by his side while at Community Hospital of Munster on Sunday, August 24, 2008. Born November 2, 1948 in East Chicago, IN, he was the son of Nick and the late Mary (nee Ciovica) Koleff. Joey was a member of the Washington High School Class of 1966, a graduate of Purdue University and later obtained his Masters Degree from IUN. While in school, he played trumpet in the Purdue Band and later served as an officer for the Band Alumni Association - Gamma Pi. He and his love, Rita Koleff, were wed August 21, 1971 in Pittsburgh, PA and together made their home in the Region. Joey was a loyal 39+ year employee of Inland Steel/Arcelor Mittal, working as a Resource Engineer and just Saturday, celebrated a picnic with fellow colleagues at the 25-Year Club picnic. He was also a representative for the Inland Athletic Association. Active in his community, Mr. Koleff was a member of the St. Michael Roman Catholic Church for over 30 years and also coached Schererville baseball. In his spare time, he enjoyed travels to enjoy the Florida beaches. An astronomy buff, he also enjoyed searching for satellites in the night sky and photography. An avid Cubs fan, Joey was always the life of the party and a friend to all no matter their age. He will be remembered as an optimistic person who loved life and had left a huge impact on the many lives he touched. Surviving to mourn his passing is his beloved wife of 37 years, Rita; cherished son, Geoffrey Koleff of Crown Point/Lafayette; loving father, Nick Koleff of Crown Point; devoted brother, Steve Koleff of Arkansas; special family friends: Steve, Sue and Jessica Cohen and the J.T. Loudermilk family all of Schererville; as well as countless dear friends. Waiting to greet him in Heaven is his beloved mother, Mary. The family invites relatives and friends to visit in the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 S. Cline Ave. (1/2 mile south of U.S. 30), Schererville, IN on Friday, August 29, 2008 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. On Saturday, August 30, 2008, a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated DIRECTLY at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1 Wilhelm Street, Schererville, IN. At his request, Joe will be laid to rest privately. Memorial gifts in his name may be made to the Purdue Band Boosters or Nazareth House of East Chicago. For information, call (219) 365-9554.