Stephen J. Colella, 87, of Wayland, died peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 following a period of declining health.
He was born at his family home in Newton on January 7, 1935, the son of the late Guiseppe M. Colella and Loretta (Pagnano) Colella.
Stephen was the beloved husband for 41 years of the late M. Cynthia “Cindy” (Coutu) Colella who died on October 4, 2009.
He was the devoted father of Stephen W. Colella and his wife Kari of Southwest Ranches, FL; Charles A. Colella and his wife Catherine of Kennett Square, PA; Suzanne M. Colella and her husband Casey Hutchinson of West Boylston, and Cathryn L. Colella of Wayland. Cherished grandfather of Michael Hutchinson of Seattle, WA; Siena, Anthony, Liana and Alexa Colella all of Kennett Square, PA, and Madison and Henry Reid of Wayland, MA. Brother of Mary Tempesta of FL; Lucy Havener of MA; Catherine Esperian of MA; Joseph Colella of CA, and Theresa Begeman of AZ. Brother of the late Daniel, Loretta, and Rose Colella, Lena Ruggeiro, and Christine Murphy. He loved being an uncle to his several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He was affectionately known to many as “Pa”.
Stephen spent his formative years in the Nonantum “The Lake” section of Newton and graduated from Our Lady’s High School in Newton.
He served his country proudly with honor as a Specialist 4 with the United States Army in Germany and continued after his active duty as a Reservist in the United States Army. He was concerned for the proper care of Veterans.
He received his BS in Chemistry from Northeastern University and for over 35 years was a Chemist for the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge.
He was a member of the Elks of Newton. Stephen enjoyed opera and classical music, reading history and sociology, and gardening at his Wayland residence, as well as working at the Carlisle Farmers’ Market. He was a longtime parishioner at St. Ann’s parish.
For many years Stephen was associated with the Council on Aging in Wayland and served on the Senior Tax Relief Committee. He was particularly interested in the well-being of the seniors in the community who built up the town and advocated for bettering their lives.
He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the center of his life. Stephen will be fondly remembered and loved by his entire family, friends, and the many lives that he touched in his lifetime with his smile, joyfulness, and positivity.
Visitations will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off Rt. 30), Cochituate Village, Wayland.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 10:30 am at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Zepherin Church, 99 Main Street (Rt. 27), Cochituate Village, Wayland.
Interment for his family will be private in Lakeview Cemetery, Wayland.
For those who desire, gifts in Stephen’s memory may be sent to “VA Boston Healthcare, 150 S. Huntington Avenue (135), Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Memo: Colella – Oncology Infusion Clinic”.