Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Colletti Obituary
Myrtle Beach, S.C. - It is with great sadness (for our loss) and great joy (for Heaven's gain) that we announce the passing of Michael Angelo Colletti "Bunky," age 63, on August 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife.
Michael bravely battled cancer for two years. Until three days before his death, he never once said he was sick, and many people never even knew. He continued to bring joy and laughter to everyone, even on his final day.
He was born in Frankfurt, Germany, raised in Albany, N.Y,, and moved to his "oasis" Myrtle Beach, S.C. in 2018.
Michael was a skilled journeyman/pipe welder with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 7. He worked from 1979 until he took early retirement in 2016.
Survivors include his (saint of a wife) Debra Geiman Colletti; sons, Anthony (Bridget), Nicholas (Tao); mother, Betty Jean Durante (Mary Elizabeth Farnan); mother-in-law, Nancy Geiman; sister-in-law, Susan Polizzano; brother-in-law, James Geiman (Nanette); niece, Larissa Karatnycky; and many more nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also leaving behind his beloved three dogs and three cats.
Michael loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved his church, family, friends, work, the ocean, vacations, golf, and the sunshine. He loved to sing, dance, and hug.
We are forever thankful to Ekklesia Christian Church, his campfire Christian men's group, and his cancer support group. We are also grateful for his compassionate oncologists, Dr. Gretchen Myers and Dr. John Michael Kazcmar, and the staff at Tidelands and MUSC.
He touched so many people with his humor, compassion, and joy. He wanted everyone to know this: Do not take one breath for granted. Love and forgive freely. Chase those sunrises and sunsets.
A memorial service will be held at Ekklesia Christian Church on September 23. There will be a celebration of life in Myrtle Beach in October. A Mass will be held in Albany, N.Y., at Blessed Sacrament Church at a future date.
The Michael "Bunky" Colletti Memorial Fund has been set up through everloved.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Colletti
James F Tobin
August 25, 2025
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL
Carl DiVeglia JR
August 23, 2024
It's hard to believe it's been a year. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. May you rest in my peace my friend.
Jody Smith
September 18, 2023
I first met Mike when I traveled from Colorado to Malta, N.Y. to work at Global Foundries in 2014. I was placed to work as Mike’s pipe fitter. Immediately I gained respect for Mike because he was a perfectionist as I am. Mike expected total perfection from me and I expected the same from him. Because our personalities and work ethic were identical, our friendship took off strong and has lasted ever since. I thought I went to N.Y. to work. Actually, I believe God does unusual things we never expect. Because neither of us had a tolerance for lazy people; and one day I said “Praise the Lord” when something exceptional happened with our work. Mike asked me “Are you a follower of Christ?” I said “Absolutely.” Mike replied “I am also.” From that moment forward, this was not just a friendship; Mike and I developed a brotherhood.
Mike also gave his time away from work. He invited me to go to church with him and Debra. He took me to see President Ulysses Grant’s summer cottage. Mike took me to one of his union meetings at Local 7 and a baseball game Local 7 had tickets to. For Mike’s birthday, I gave him a pocket knife and took him to dinner at his favorite Italian Restaurant. I remember when Mike and Debra’s first grandchild was born. Mike told me he and Debra were supposed to go to the ocean at this time. I told Mike “NO” !!! I reflected back when my granddaughter was born. I told Mike “You want to be able to tell her that you stopped the whole world to be there for her.” When I left N.Y., we stayed in casual contact; mostly at Christmas. Losing Mike to an illness is very difficult for me to comprehend because Mike was this big, healthy, intelligent and handsome man full of charisma; yet younger than me. It takes a mentally strong man to tell his friends he Loves them. “Yes Mike, you will always have my respect and I will Love You as my friend; forever.” Some day, I will see you on the other side.
Jody Smith
James F Tobin
September 4, 2023
My condolences to you Betty Jean and the entire Colletti and Farnan families .
Gone but not forgotten!
Shirley Morawski Maguire
September 3, 2023
Betty Jean and family, Please accept my condolences on the passing of your wonderful son....a life cut short but so very well lived.
Thomas and Helen Fresina
September 2, 2023
Betty Jean and family,
So sorry for the, loss of Michael, we remember him when he was just a little boy, he's in heaven now pain free.
God bless you and your family
Tom and Helen, (CheChe) Fresina
John Farnan
September 2, 2023
Michael and I came from broken homes so I did what I could to give him some perspectives on life, doing good, succeeding,...When he was a teen, I introduced Michael to the game of golf. We'd grab my shag bag and hits balls on the Livingston HS lawn. Many kids move on to other interests but I was pleased that Michael played for years, especially after he moved to Myrtle Beach. Mike was a decent, hard working, compassionate man of faith. I'll miss him and loved him more than he knew. Hit em straight up there Mike. Uncle John Farnan
Bryan Dailey
September 2, 2023
Deb, so sorry for your loss. Michael´s smile and spirit will live on. Thinking of you and your family.
Donna A. Musella
September 1, 2023
To my beautiful nephew Michael, Fly ..like an eagle, and when you reach your destination, rest in peace.
Aunt Donna
Agnes Howard Borden
September 1, 2023
Betty, Jean and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Michael. May he rest in peace my prayers and thoughts are with you, Agnes Howard Borden
Ron Cupertino
August 31, 2023
My sincere condolences. Mike always had nothing but smiles and hugs for me every single time I saw him at church or anywhere else. Im humbled and blessed to have met him. God bless the family with joyful memory and comforting touch of grace.
Fran and Joe Schmidt
August 31, 2023
Debra and the Colletti Family,
Fran and my condolences for the passing of Mike. Both of us have known Mike for a long time as a friend and a coworker. May you rest in peace.
Scott Miller
August 31, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wilma Bradley
August 30, 2023
Dear Debra and family,
So sorry to hear of Bunky's passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Wilma Bradley ( Jeb's wife)
Mark Hill
August 30, 2023
I am sorry for your loss. I am very happy I got to spend some time with you and Mike this year. I loved playing golf with Mike, he made it fun even when we didn't play very well. Rest in peace my friend.
Stephanie Richardson
August 30, 2023
JC, my condolences on the loss of Michael. Stephanie on Hamilton.
Ann Grimsley (Quintal)
August 30, 2023
My prayers go out to Deb & her family, so very sorry for your loss. Heaven gained an angel. God Bless you all
Nancy Ryan
August 30, 2023
A life taken to soon. So sad. My prayers are with you Deb and your family. My son had Boston to your house for doggie care.
Angie Hardee
August 29, 2023
I cannot say enough about this man and his amazing wife. Michael was always there to greet me with a smile and a hug. He will be missed by all who knew him, and I know I'll see him again in heaven
John Keil
August 29, 2023
Always a great friend & a joy to see him whenever our paths crossed. Losing your soulmate is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you Deb. Heaven has another angel.
Godspeed Michael
Pat Purchia
August 29, 2023
Condolences to the Colletti family so sorry for your loss Mike truly touched my heart may he rest in peace. Until we meet up on the next big one .. Love ya brother
Michael Terranova
August 29, 2023
It is with great sadness to see My very good friend Michael Colletti leave the earth but I know he is in a better place today. I first met Michael when we worked together back in 1996 and I have been best friends ever since,he was definitely taken from this world way too early but he always brought joy and happiness to everyone he met myself included. He was always positive and upbeat. He had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone that´s just the way he was. I was truly blessed to know him for as many years as I did, may he rest in eternal peace
Terri Newell
August 29, 2023
My deepest condolences to all of Mike´s family. He was a big man with big character. May he rest in peace.
Frank Bongiorno
August 29, 2023
Debbie, Betty, Nick, Anthony, Lisa, and all of the Colletti family and friends,
My deepest condolences to you all. Mike was very dear and longtime friend whom I have kept in touch with over the years ,I will miss him dearly.
May You Rest in Peace my friend in the Ocean in the Sky.
Carl DiVeglia Jr
August 29, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Mike's family. Growing up with Mike the man you saw was the kid I knew. Over the past several years we would get together for breakfast when he came back to Albany to visit his family and friends. I saw Mike for the last time in July. He stopped over to my house to give me a NYC engineer's handbook. It was his grandfather's. Mike knew my love of trains. During that visit his positive attitude and love of God is something I'll never forget. Mike taught all of us how to live life to the fullest something we all should do. Mike's last text was positive and closed with "until we meet again on the other side brother. " Until that day may you rest in peace my brother and may your family find comfort knowing your truly home now.
Laurie Bunney
August 29, 2023
Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Laurie Saleh Bunney (Key Bank)
Kathy scalzetto
August 29, 2023
Mike and debby used to be whisker watchers we had a cat many years ago name of max when we went away they would come to our house to take care of her mike was very funny I remember they were the nicest people took pride in their worked loved animals so very sorry debby saw mike last time at joe bonamusa concert take care you and your family kathy and john s grooms road
Pete Mickalonis
August 29, 2023
To the entire Colletti family,I'm so very sorry for your loss.I worked along side Mike many years ago at Waterford G.E.A very skilled and hard working guy.Rest in peace Bunky.We'll meet again one day.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Colletti's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Colletti
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Colletti's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
