Joseph L. Colella

Joseph L. Colella, 72, passed away on October30, 2024, at the Cleveland Clinic. 

Born on January 14, 1952, in Youngstown, he lived a life full of love, community spirit and dedication.

Joseph was a proud graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, class of 1970, and furthered his education by obtaining a degree from Youngstown State University. He went on to work as an electrician for Ohio Edison for many years. He also spent time working for AT&T before he retired. During his years at Ohio Edison and AT&T you could also find him on the sidelines coaching football. 

He began coaching when he was 18 years old when he became the first ever football coach at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown. Joseph also coached student athletes at Chaney High School, Poland Seminary High School and Middle School, and Springfield High School. He also had the joy of living out one of his dreams when he had the privilege to coach at the collegiate level at Westminster College. After he retired from coaching football, he went on to coach the Poland High School girls golf team. Throughout Joseph's career as a coach, he mentored, and touched the lives of countless young athletes. Joseph also spent 10 years as a special education tutor at Poland Seminary High School.

When Joseph wasn't working or coaching you could find him spending time with his three children and five grandchildren who were the loves of his life. Together with his wife, Joseph volunteered countless hours at Akron Children’s Hospital in Boardman snuggling babies in the NICU and even bringing them joy at Christmas by dressing up as Santa. Joseph also enjoyed spending time golfing with his grandchildren and friends. His easy listening ear, life lessons, and advice will live on through those he had the privilege of coming in contact with.

Joseph is survived by his devoted wife, Alice Brungard Colella; their three children, Amy (David) Thompson of Poland, Gina (Bryan) Hart of Powell, and Andrew (Kathy) Colella of Mt. Gilead; five adoring grandchildren, each a light in his life: Jacob, Aiden, and Elliana Thompson, Liam Hart, and Gianna Colella; and his dear sister, Donna Carden of Boardman.

He rejoins his parents, James and Madeline Teno Colella, who preceded him in death.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joseph's life during the visitation on November 3, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Akron Children's Boardman Campus NICU and Oncology Units, 6505 Market St, Boardman, OH 44512.