COL (R) Joseph Colello Jr., a distinguished Vietnam War veteran and longtime resident of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away on August 7, 2024, at the age of 90.

"Joe" was born on October 19, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, at Mother Cabrini's Memorial Hospital. He was the cherished son of the late Joseph Colello, an immigrant from Body, Italy, and Anna (Buzawa) Colello, an immigrant from Warsaw, Poland. Joe was the youngest of the Colello brothers, who included the late Eddie, Freddie, and Raymond. Growing up in Chicago during the Great Depression instilled in Joe the values of hard work, dedication, and unwavering patriotism, which he carried throughout his entire life.

In 1955, at the age of 22, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a photographer, pursuing one of his lifelong interests in visual arts. Recognized for his leadership potential, he was soon selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS). After completion, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry in 1957. He was further selected to be an Army Aviator and completed all flight training a year later. In Vietnam (1965-66), he flew the famed UH-1 "Huey" helicopter moving troops and equipment across the battlefield. His greatest pride in service was as the Battalion Commander of the 82nd Aviation Battalion (1972-73) in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty (Bragg), North Carolina. In total, he served in the Army for 25 years with over six years of overseas service in Germany, Vietnam, and Turkey.

Perhaps his most rewarding and memorable assignment in the Army was serving as the Senior White House Social Aide to President Richard Nixon from 1970-72. At the White House, he met the love of his life, Captain Linda Cheryl White (US Marine Corps) who was also a Social Aide. The two were soon married on a snowy winter's day, February 19, 1972, in Fort Myer, Virginia. Before the end of his Army service, Joe was promoted to the rank of Colonel. In his last assignment before retirement, he was an instructor at the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His Army awards and achievements include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal with Valor, Master Army Aviator Wings, Parachute Badge, and awards from the Republic of Vietnam. He was also inducted in the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Moore (Benning), Georgia.

After retiring from the Army, Joe and his beloved wife, "Lyn", moved to Easton, Kansas, where they purchased 20 acres of beautiful farmland, which they lovingly named it "The 4-C Angus Ranch." It was here that they built their family home, raised their beautiful daughters, and created countless cherished memories on the farm raising livestock and farming the land. Always sharing their bounty with all.

In addition to his military service, Joe had a distinguished civilian career in the corporate world, transitioning from the Army to work for Hallmark Cards at its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. His creativity, enthusiasm, and attention to detail led to another 20 years of service where he eventually retired for a second time as the International Human Resources Director.

Joe's favorite pastimes that brought him the most joy are those that fostered community and a sense of family. These hobbies included fishing, cooking, dancing with his family, carpentry (building furniture for friends and family) and volunteering for his wonderful parish family at St. Rita Catholic Church in Santa Rosa Beach both in the Knights of Columbus, and as the Parish Administrator. Joe and Linda were founding members of the Church's move to its current location, and he earned the affectionate nickname "Genesis Joe" for his dedication and love for the first reading at the Easter Vigil Mass. Among his most notable accomplishments in the church was his appointment as an Acolyte at St. Rita's, where he faithfully served and supported his cherished parish.

Joe leaves behind his most treasured earthly gifts—his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda "Lyn" Cheryl Colello and their two daughters: Holly Ann Colello of Pennsylvania and Carolyn Colello-Sittenauer, along with her husband COL Peter Sittenauer, US Army, of Alabama. He was also a proud grandfather to Sarah Christine Sittenauer and Kerri Elizabeth Sittenauer, both of Texas. Additionally, he is survived by his dear nieces, and nephews, who held a special place in his heart. Lastly, his furry pride and joy, his "Son Joey".

Joe's legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered for his professional accomplishments, warm spirit, sharp mind, and boundless sense of humor. His life was a testament to service, love, and dedication to those he loved. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Saint Rita Catholic Church; 22 St Rita Ln, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459; with Military Honors by the United States Army at the Funeral.

In accordance with Joe's wishes, his final resting place will be in the Barrancas National Cemetery at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made towards Saint Rita Catholic Church or via website https://saintritaparish.churchcenter.com/giving.