Obituary: Former Orangetown Supervisor Joseph V. Colello Dies in Florida

Former longtime Orangetown town Supervisor Joseph V. Colello died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in Stuart, Fl., where he was living in retirement.

Colello, a Blauvelt Republican, was town supervisor from 1976 to 1989. During this period Orangetown, experienced one of its longest period of financial stability. Fellow Orangetown Republican Thomas Swift said Colello was especially proud of the town's Blue Hill Golf Course, which during his time in office, consistently earned enough money to support the growth of parks in Orangetown, including construction of Veterans Memorial Park.

Orangetown's recycling program began under Colello, and he was the moving force creating Cortwood Village Senior Housing. 

Colello, a founding member of the Blauvelt Sons Of Italy, was a combat veteran of WW II and was a life member of the VFW and a founding member of Raymond W. DeMeola Post 1615, VFW. Colello was also proud of his services as a leader in New York in the fight against Cooley’s Anemia, a genetic blood disorder.

He was a regular parishioner (8 a.m. Mass every Sunday) at St. Catharine's Church in Blauvelt, and a very active member of St. Dominic's Council, Knights of Columbus. Colello was also an active member of the Blauvelt-Orangeburg Republican Club. 

"I was proud to have worked with Joe as Orangetown Republican Chairman, and to have served with him on the Town Board," Swift said. 

Arrangements are being handled by family members in Stuart, FL. The family is planning a memorial service at St. Catharine's Church in December, and he will be buried with his wife, Frances, in Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill.