Obituary of Joseph Kolaya

Joseph Kolaya, of Hopatcong passed away on Monday May 12 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 84. Born on December 18, 1929 in Palisades Park, to the late Martin and Anna Kolaya, Joe resided in Wilmington, CT, Burlington, MA and Camillus, NY prior to moving to Hopatcong in 1969. Joe was a Korean War veteran, serving in the US Army from 1951-53. He worked most of his life for Sears and Roebuck as a Department Manager and Store Manager in Somerville and Dover. Joe enjoyed working with his son, Joe Jr., as well as fixing and repairing things for other people and helping others in general. Devoted husband of Eileen (Brennan), beloved father of Joseph Jr. and wife Linda and Scott Martin and wife Lynne, cherished grandfather of Jessica, Joseph III and Drew, adoring great grandfather of Kalee, Jacob and Quentin and dearest brother of Martin, John, Steve and Ann. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to celebrate Joe's life on Thursday May 15 from 6-9 pm at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, Landing. A prayer service will be offered on Friday May 16 beginning at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Joe will be laid to rest at Stanhope Union Cemetery, immediately following prayers. Friends and family may begin gathering at the funeral home on Friday at 9:00 am prior to services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860 or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, at www.michaeljfox.org.