Vincent Colella 1928-2025

Jim was born Sept. 20, 1928, in East Palestine, the sixth child of the late Guiseppe and Concetta Falvo Colella, who immigrated to the United States from Gizzeria, Italy.

He was a graduate of East Palestine High School, Class of 1946, where he was known for his musical playing ability on the trumpet.

Jim loved to play the trumpet and played with several bands, but almost exclusively with his brother Tom, along with members Ernie Bruno and Roland Saparito, who were like brothers.

He was a devoted Catholic who never missed Sunday Mass, holy days and all the seasonal events.

On July 22, 1950, he married the love of his life, Janet Elizabeth Allan, whom he missed dearly. She preceded him in death, Oct. 27, 2009.

He is survived by two children, James (Joanne) Colella of Poland and Susan (Ray) Shattenberg of London; four grandchildren, Valerie (Dominic) Diorio, Julianna Colella, Frank Colella (Jen Fuchs) and Drs. David (Julie) Colella; nine great-grandchildren, Gia, Sophia, Julia and Natalia Diorio, Madison and Jonathan Colella, and Maximus, Samuel and Jack Colella.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Belinda; and four brothers, Tom, Carl, Michael and Joseph.

In 1946, he started his career at McCommon Hardware Store, where he developed his skills at being able to fix and make anything. He then worked at Adamson Tank, worked 24 years at Babcoch and Wilcox in Beaver Falls, and ended his career as the East Palestine City Safety Service Director.

Jim was also a volunteer fireman for approximately 25 years.

Jim loved playing the trumpet and played almost every day up to about the age of 90, but his favorite job was his garden. Garlic, onions, tomatoes, squash, peppers, potatoes, lettuce and Swiss chard were his favorites, and he enjoyed canning his peppers (the hot ones) and giving most of it to his family and friends.

His greatest joy was being a grandfather and attending all of his grandchildren’s games and events with his wife. He was one of their biggest fans. He was truly a staple of the Colella clan and was always there to help or fix anything that needed fixing.

The family would like to thank the assistance provided to him during his brief stay at The Inn at Poland Way.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Linsley-Royal Funeral Home in East Palestine.

A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in East Palestine, with Fr. Chad Johnson serving as celebrant.

A private burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in East Palestine.

(special notice)