Thomas George Colella's Obituary
Thomas G. Colella “George“, age 93, died peacefully at the VA Garden of Grace Hospice Center in Coatesville, PA on Sunday, March 18, 2018. He has been residing in Tabernacle, New Jersey since 2016, formally of West Wildwood, NJ, Bensalem, PA, and Sugar Run, PA. He was born in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, to Angelo and Maria (Gisondi) Colella. He is predeceased by his wife Eileen Francis ( O’Leary), their son Joseph Marc, and his four brothers and four sisters.
George is survived by his brother Fr. David Colella, his sister-in-law Patricia Colella, his son, Thomas (Linda) Colella, his daughters, Theresa (Bill) Wittman, and Georgette (James) Chalker. PopPop will be missed by his grandchildren: Malinda, Thomas E., Julia, and Lillian. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Nadia, Esme, Cole, and Audrey; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
After serving in the Civil Conservation Corps, he joined the Army and survived the landing on Normandy Beach, 5 major campaigns, and the Battle of the Bulge with the 5th Infantry Division nicknamed the “Red Diamond” during World War II. George was awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries on discharge. George remained dedicated to the military by becoming a charter member of the Laing-McCann American Legion Post in Germantown. He also joined the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 85 of Bensalem. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He helped start the Neshaminy Valley Sportsmens' Association , which led to his moving to Sugar Run, PA where he resided for 25 years before moving back to New Jersey.
George and Eileen were active members of both the churches of St. Michael’s and St. Francis of Assisi, celebrating the annual festival of the Madonna, a tradition started by George’s mother and father when they immigrated to the United States from Solopaca, Italy. George and Eileen will be honored with a final resting place at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to a gathering at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 N., on Sunday evening from 6 pm – 8 pm. There will be a second gathering the following day, Monday, at Sacred Heart Church, 4th Street and Linden Ave., Riverton, from 11 am – 12 pm. His funeral Mass will begin at 12 pm. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Coatesville VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services, 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville, PA 19320. Check payable to Department of Veterans Affairs, in honor of Thomas G. Colella – Hospice Center. To share your fondest memories and condolences with Thomas' family, please visit www.Givnish.com.
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