Obituary of Joseph Colant

Joseph (Uncle Joe) Colant, 85, passed away Wednesday, February, 24, 2014 at the VNS Hospice Care Center. Joe was born June 23, 1928 to Mario and Providenza (Bonde) Colant in Akron and had been an Akron resident his entire life. He was employed as an executive store planning and development manager for Firestone Tire for over 35 years retiring in 1982. He did property management for First National Bank and was the owner of Joe's Lawn Service. Joe was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was very involved as a Third Degree member South Akron Knights of Columbus Council 3410 for over 60 years. He tended bar at the council for years and founded the bocce ball tournaments. He was on the Fatima Statue Committee and maintained the statue gardens at Loyola of the Lakes Retreat House. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Margaret (Maggie); children Andrew Maxwell, Jim Colant, Gerard (Jo) Colant, Peggy (Mark) Wichman, Helen (Michael) Rothberg, Patricia (Glenn) Scrapelli and Christopher (Marcia) Colant; grandchildren Noelle and Marco Colant, Jennifer, Charlene, Zachariah and Dylan Wichman, Rick and Shelby Rothberg, Isabella and Joseph Scarpelli and Gabriella and Luca Colant; siblings Vince (Shirley) Colant and Joan (Jim) Ballway; in-laws Anita Colant , Tom Hafler, and Joan and Betty Ginn; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Tony, sister Judy Hafler and sister-in-law Betty Colant. The family will receive friends Friday 4 to 8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Akron where a K of C Rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St. Akron OH 44301. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to St. Paul Church or School. (Anthony, Akron, anthonyfh.com, 330-724-1281)