Joseph Michael Kolanski, 94, of Fairpoint, Ohio, died April 29, 2018, at Wheeling Hospital.
He was born February 5, 1924 in Lafferty, Ohio, son of the late Michael and Mary Kolanski.
Joe was retired from Y&O Coal Company. He was an active member of the former St. Joseph’s Church in Fairpoint, where he volunteered in various capacities, including being a Lector for many years.
He was most recently a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Joe was a World War II Army veteran stationed in Korea.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Fairpoint Polish Club, and a former member of the Moose in Lafferty.
Joe was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing vegetables with friends and neighbors.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Constance Bosak; and brothers, Adam, Stanley, Walter and Frank.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Halina (Lagod) Kolanski; his daughters, Joanne Kolanski of Fairpoint and Camille Kolanski of Stow; his son, Kevin (Darlene) Kolanski of St. Clairsville; sister, Marion Fischer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Helen Mazol.
Friends and family will be received at Beck-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 204 West Main St., St. Clairsville, Ohio, on Tuesday May 1, 2018 from 3-8 p.m., with a Vigil service at 4 p.m.
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Clairsville on Wednesday May 2, 2018 at 10 a.m. with the Very Rev. Thomas Chillog officiating.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville with full military honors conferred by the Belmont County Veterans Association.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Central School, 226 W. Main St., St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may also be made to St. Clairsville Council of Churches/Food Pantry, 67582 Clark Road., St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Share your thoughts and memories of Joe with the family at www.beckaltmeyer.com.
I’m so sorry to learn of Joe’s death. He was a special man. I know you will miss him dearly..I am thinking of all of you.
My heart feels a great sadness to learn of Mr.Kolanskl’s passing.Love,peace and comfort I pray.
Dear Halina and family, my sympathy to you, Joe was a great person , personality plus. Wanted to offer my condolence at the funeral home , but I am very sick with a virus.
I worked with Joe at Y&O Nelms #1, what a pleasure that was! he was such a nice guy, my condolences go to Joe’s family and friends which I’m sure he had many.
It is so wonderful that you all enjoyed your husband/father in your lives for so many years. I have expressed to them before in my few visits to the family home in Fairpoint my fond memories of the warm and patient reception offered to the friends “hanging out” as we did in those days. As an adult you have a special appreciation for those things and realize it wasn’t always convenient. I’ll always picture that beautiful big garden every growing season. And all the sharing with the neighbors. What a
treat that garden would be today! He will surely be missed and hope the pleasant memories are helpful in the following days. I am sending a contribution to the St. Clairsville Council of Churches/Food Pantry in his memory to the address provided. Best Wishes to you all….Arlene
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Joseph M. Kolanski, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten..
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Veteran, Joseph Michael Kolanski, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †