James Colella, 70, of Avoca, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at his home. He was born in West Pittston, October 7, 1947 and was the son of the late Sam and Concetta (Forlenza) Colella.
James was a 1965 graduate of West Pittston High School. He then joined the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. While being stationed in San Francisco, he attended the California College for Respiratory Therapy. James worked as a respiratory therapist for the First Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, NPW Hospital, and retired from Patient Care, Kingston with over 30 years of employment.
James was a member of the American Legion of Plains and a member of the Pittston Active Adult Center. He was an avid sports fan and a fan of the Chicago Bears. He spent many years as a coach of many different sports. He was a loving, caring and kind man and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Sam Colella and his beloved dog, Ginger.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, the former Cindy Green Colella; his daughter, Alicia Colella and her husband, Alan Libby of Orman Beach, FL; his son, James J. Colella and his wife, Maura of Exeter; grandchildren, Maya Colella, Alicia Libby and Gianna Colella; brother, Frank Colella and his wife, Theresa of West Pittston; sisters, Maryann Wolfe and her husband, Stephen of Moosic and Connie Kokinda and her husband, Thomas of Avoca; as well as his beloved cat Whiskers and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 9:45 am at Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with Rev Eric Ferguson of the Moosic Alliance Church officiating along with the AMVETS honor guard who will provide military honors. Friends may call on Friday evening, December 29th from 5-8 pm. Interment will be held at Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Dallas.