Joseph Colombo

Joseph L. Colombo, 94, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2017.  He was born in Detroit, MI on April 11, 1923, the son of Louis Ceasar Colombo and Carolina Colombo (Berra).  Joe grew up in Detroit and graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1942 where he participated in boxing, football, baseball and basketball.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January, 1943 as a Gunners Mate during WWII.  He proudly served aboard the SS Peter Cartwright and SS Ponca City in the Atlantic Theater and the USS Brookings in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, Joe worked for Michigan Bell and it was there that he met the love of his life, Geraldine (Gerry) Nowak.  They were married in January, 1950.  In 1969 Joe was credited with helping to design head sets for the football coaches at St. Mary’s High School in Royal Oak, where Joe and Gerry were big parish supporters and where their children attended school.  Upon Joe’s retirement in 1988 from Michigan Bell (Royal Oak), they moved to Bellaire, MI.  Joe enjoyed playing football with the kids in the park in their Royal Oak neighborhood.  He loved to fish, hunt and golf.

Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gerry (Nowak), son James (Therry) of Bellaire; son Daniel (daughter in-law Connie deceased) of White Lake; son Paul of Escondido; son David of La Mesa; daughter Carol (Mike Lessard) of Yoder, Wyoming, and son John (Nanci) of Chubbuck, Idaho, numerous grand-children, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a son Joe (Pam of Auburn Hills who survives); daughter Kathy, and sister Mary.  His sister Dora in Florida and brother Louie (Bonnie) in Traverse City also survive.

There is no memorial service planned.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Antrim County Veteran’s Affairs at PO Box 1049, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.