Joseph S. Colello

Colello, Joseph S.
WEST ALBANY - Joseph S. Colello, living into his 100th year, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Anna Donata (Piombino) Colello; and two brothers, Vincent and Anthony Colello. He was married to the love of his life, Lillian "Doie" Colello, for 77 years. Joe attended West Albany Elementary School and Albany High School, enlisting in the US Navy immediately upon graduation. After basic training, Joe served in the South Pacific corridor aboard the U.S.S. Terror as a radio man. The Terror was bombed by a kamikaze pilot on May 1, 1945. Joe believes the prayers from loved ones at home, taking place at that precise time in the St. Francis de Sales church on Exchange Street, saved his life, as he heard a woman's voice guiding him out of the chaos, fire, and smoke (no women were in combat at that time). He spent many months in hospitals in Hawaii and California, recovering from his injuries before a slow train ride home. He received several awards, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Fittingly, his letters home during his service had one main theme, how much he missed his mother's cooking. Joe was very proud that once home, after he married his sweetheart, Doie, he built their home on Wilkins Avenue (with help from family and good friends, for which he never stopped being grateful). After leaving the Navy, he attended Siena College on the GI bill, before leaving school to support his family, later completing his degree through Excelsior College. He worked many jobs before he finished his working days and retired as a purchasing agent for SUNY Albany. He picked vegetables on various family farms in West Albany, worked for Kresge's market, N.Y. Central Railroad, Tobin Packing Company, the U.S. Postal Service, and Rosano's Hardware store. He was a proud member of the West Albany Italian Benevolent Society for many years. Joe had an optimistic spirit his entire life, upon losing much of his eyesight in his mid-40s, he turned the car keys over to Lillian cheerfully (he still drove his riding mower for a while!). He amazed everyone by playing paddleball, cornhole, and bocce quite well despite low vision. He loved to go to the casino, listen to books, watch the N.Y. Mets, lottery tickets of all kinds (send us the winning numbers, Dad!!), and to spend time with his family, especially his children and grandsons, and then their families as they came along. Joe loved swimming in the ocean, and he made sure the family made it to the beach in Wildwood Crest every summer, even after he couldn't join us in recent years. And who can forget his dancing with abandon at weddings and parties? Most admirably, he tirelessly cared for Doie as she developed dementia. Many of you waved and beeped as you'd pass Joe and Doie sitting outside holding hands, after they moved to a smaller home they loved, on Sand Creek Rd.
In addition to his wife; Joe is survived by four children, Joey, Vicki (Jerry Backus), Maryteresa, and Amy Murphy; was an outstanding "Poppy" to six grandsons, of whom he was inordinately proud, Jason Mastaitis (Emily), Benjamin Mastaitis (Katherine), Evan Mastaitis (Mary Beth), Ryan Murphy (Sheryl), Kyle Murphy (Kristen Toohill), and John Kennedy (Joan); and nine great-grandchildren, Kieara (Samuel), Lillian, Juliet, Eleanor, Greta, Cleo and Dexter Mastaitis, Amelia Murphy, and Jack Joseph Kennedy. Joe is also survived by his sister, MaryAnne Moreau; and special cousin, Mary Colello; as well as several nephews and cousins.
Last but definitely not least, the Colello family wishes to express their deep gratitude and admiration for the aides, nurses, therapists, doctors and all other staff at Shaker Place Nursing Home, as well as hospice staff and volunteers, who so kindly took care of "Papa Joe" these last few months, and continue to care for Lillian, too many to name, but you know who you are and how much we truly appreciate you.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that since our Dad loved to eat and hated anyone to be hungry, please consider a donation to the Regional Food Bank (regionalfoodbank.net), or to Community Hospice (www.communityhospice.org/donate/). And, if you have the chance, do an act of kindness for someone, as Joe was unfailingly kind, generous, and cheerful.
There will be a funeral mass in Joe's honor on Friday, October 17, 10 a.m., at Christ our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville, N.Y. 12211. Burial will be private for the family.
reillyandson.com