Joseph L. Colucci
On Wednesday June 21st,2023, Joseph L. Colucci, 76, of Bath, PA, loving husband, father grandfather and loyal friend, passed away at Cedar Crest Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Born December 17th 1946, to the late Luigi Colucci and Lena Paolini Colucci of Broadway, NJ. Joseph was a Phillipsburg Catholic High School graduate of the class of 1965. He played football in high school and wore #84.
Joseph was a Marine Corp Veteran and bravely served in the Vietnam War. He served from 1966-1968 . He was in Third Marine Division, 26th Marines as an Atomic Demolitions Employment Technician/ Combat Engineer. He saw combat in Danang and multiple locations throughout Vietnam, ending his tour of duty in Khe Sanh.
Joseph married the former Karen R. Schreiner on August 15th, 1970 at St. Philip and James Roman Catholic Church in Phillipsburg, NJ. Joseph attended Allentown Barber school and later was a Barber. He was the owner/operator of Colucci’s Barber Shop. He had several Barber Shops over the years but was most remembered for his shop at 63 East Washington Ave, Washington, NJ. In 1996 Joe partnered with his daughter Christina. The father daughter duo worked together several years before Joe retired and Christina became the owner.
Joe did many things over the years. In 1990 he invented his own peanut roaster and developed his own concession business. Selling Peanuts and other snacks at fairs, carnivals, flea markets and stock car races. Later down the road he invented and patented his own crab trap he called “The Venus Crab Trap”. He spent years designing and selling crab traps and various other animal traps.
Joe enjoyed wheeling and dealing. He loved flea markets, cars, anything with an engine he could fix, antiques, firearms, trying to play guitar, singing loudly and badly, playing cards, holidays and get togethers. In the 1980’s he coached the Belvidere Pee Wee football team for his children and their peers. Many still remember him fondly.
Joe was and avid hunter, fisherman- both deep sea and fresh water, He loved the country and the great outdoors. He loved to camp with his family. He built a beautiful Cabin with his son Vince. Joe was an outgoing man and a Papa Bear. He was fiercely dedicated to his family. His family and circle of friends was his true love.
Joseph and his wife Karen spent 52 years happily married. Joe and Karen were a united front and did everything together. The husband and wife team had three children together; Joseph L. Colucci Jr. of Ulysses, Pa, Vincent A. Colucci (Fiancé Stacey Reamer) of Whitehall, Pa, and Christina L. Colucci Podobed (Husband Christopher J. Podobed) of Stewartsville, NJ. Their grandchildren are Gwendolyn Colucci Morrison (Husband Tristen Morrison) Joseph L. Colucci III, Vinessa Colucci, Ivan Podobed, Julia Podobed and Jonathan Colucci.
Joseph has a Sister Amelia Katarba (late husband Joel Katarba) Nephew and God Son Joseph Katarba, Late niece Tara Katarba Tomanelli and her children. His brother Nicholas Colucci proceeded him in death. His niece and God daughter, Lisa Whitford and her family and nephew Louis Colucci and his family. His closest cousin that he loved as a brother George Fucci (wife Beth Fucci) and their family. He leaves behind other relatives and cousins.
Joe was a devoted family man and is greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. He was a bright light and a big man with a big personality and heart. Those lucky enough to know him will never forget him. He loved others and life.
Viewing hours will be held on Tuesday June 27, 2023 from 6-8 pm at The Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, NJ. Private family calling hours are 5-6 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday June 28, 2023 at 10 am at St. Philip and James Catholic Church 430 South Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ. Interment to follow mass at St. Philip and James Cemetery, 519 US Route 22 Phillipsburg. There will be a memorial gathering following interment at Flynn’s on the Hill, 341 Pursel Street, Phillipsburg, NJ.