On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Robert Joseph Colagross, loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 77.
Joe was born on November 7, 1943 in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1962 and wrestled for Western Michigan University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology. After several years of teaching high school biology and coaching wrestling and football in Mason, Michigan, he received his master’s degree in counseling from Michigan State University and worked for the State of Michigan as a rehab specialist. After retiring from the State of Michigan, he worked with at-risk youth in Grand Ledge, Michigan at Sawdon High School where he was known as an “irreplaceable” colleague. In retirement, he became a resident of The Villages, Florida with his wife Linda to enjoy his hobbies of golf, fishing, and bowling.
Those that knew Joe could always count on his calm and nonjudgmental demeanor. His patience and kindness were his endearing qualities. He believed in the goodness of others and always pointed out the positive in every situation. His generosity knew no bounds! He loved life and instilled in his children a sense of humor and a way to look at life’s situations and laugh. He also instilled confidence in them believing that they could achieve anything they wanted to achieve. He will be greatly missed.
Joe was preceded in death by his father Robert Fred and his mother Phyllis and his sister Janice. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 26 years, Linda and his children Phyllis, Robert Gregory, Catherine (Gar) and Angela and his two step-sons Ryan (Becky) and Todd. He will also be remembered by his eight grandchildren, Hanna, Emma, Katie, Ella, Ben, Zoe, Seth, and Caleb, by his sisters Antionette and Dorothy (Fred) and many nieces and nephews. It was Joe’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
