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Joseph Colosi Obituary
Born in Westerly, he was the son of the late Frank and Nellie Colosi. Joe was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Elsie Colosi; and his sister, Jean Chiaradio.
Joe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served as a coxswain with the Navy during World War II. He was a skilled goldsmith and jeweler and specialized in hand-engraving. He owned and operated Colosi Jewelers in Westerly.
Golf was Joe's passion. He was a member of several leagues and loved to spend his Sundays on the golf course. Joe was also an avid bowler and member of several bowling teams. He had many a perfect game.
Joe is survived by his son, Joseph V. Colosi Jr., and Meredith and Jennifer Colosi, of Grosse Pointe, Mich. He will be sadly missed by his son, Kevin F. Colosi and Kathy Colosi, of Westerly, R.I., his caretakers of 20 years. It is Katelyn Colosi, his granddaughter, of Wethersfield, Conn., who will miss him the most. Poppy Joe and Katie had a special bond from the days when he picked her up at the bus stop and was her babysitter, and throughout her years in sports, where Poppy Joe would stand by the fence at Cimalore Field cheering her on. Poppy Joe was there for every important event in Katelyn's life. He cheered her on in college with notes, "Katie, study hard." Even as dementia stole his memories he would always light up when he saw Katelyn. Katelyn knows that Poppy Joe is golfing or listening to Frank Sinatra in Heaven. Joe is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dotty Findeisen; and several nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Dr. Bob Serra for years of loving care, as well as to the staff at The Westerly Health Center for years of compassionate care and love. Also, a thank you to Rachael, an exceptional, caring nurse.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17 at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Cobblestone Lane, Westerly. Viewing hours are respectfully omitted. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Colosi
May 10, 2018
so sorry for your loss...I remember the times at Winnapaug (Brightman's) Pond...prayers for you and yours...
Mary Anne (bum) Blum
Tammy Broccoli-Thomas
April 30, 2018
To The Colosi Family;
As a young child growing up I recall frequenting his downtown store. He was very kind. He engraved a few pieces of jewelry an would replace the battery in a very old sentimental watch I had. I was always concerned at what cost would be -I smile now knowing he knew money wasn't a plenty.. An his price may have been less than it should've been. (THANKYOU again) I will smile as I look at those pieces of jewelry knowing it bears your engraving. Just don't find this type of gentleman who loved his work .
Tammy Broccolo-Thomas
Joanne Johnson
April 24, 2018
Dear Kevin,
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your entire family as I hear of the loss of your dear Father. May your memories bring you comfort at this very difficult time.
(This is Joanne, formerly of Westerly Jewelry Company. )
Natalie Corina
April 20, 2018
Kevin & Joe, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers for you and your families. God Bless
Martha Holland
April 19, 2018
To Joe Jr. & Family, Sincere condolences for the loss of your father. My mother and he were almost roommates at the WHC, with rooms right across from each other. He often stood watch outside his door and was always a gentleman.
Sandra Neugent
April 17, 2018
To the Colosi family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I enjoyed stopping into the jewelry store and talking with Mr. Colosi over the years. My grandmother used his services when she needed jewelry repaired, she ran an antique store years ago and that's how I met Mr. Colosi. May God give you peace and strength at this time.
April 17, 2018
My deepest sympathy to you Kevin, Kathy, Katelyn, and the Colosi family. Joe was such a kind and genuine man. I enjoyed chatting with him about engraving, and other things while working downtown, (WJC). May you find comfort and peace in your memories.
Jane Evans Silva
ROBERT HUDON
April 16, 2018
Sorry for your loss
April 16, 2018
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
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Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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