Thomas Edward Colli

A beloved family man and longtime resident of Ware, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the age of 78.  Tom was the proud son of an Italian immigrant and was a self-made businesman.  He was born on August 31, 1941 in the Bronx, New York.  Tom grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey and graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1961, then attended Johnson State College in Vermont.  He was predeceased by his mother, Josephine (Scuitti) Colli, father Thomas E. Colli and son Thomas J. Colli.  Tom wed his high school sweetheart Margaret, together they raised four wonderful children; Thomas, Barbara, Joseph and Lisa.  Tom was an avid hiker and sportsman and enjoyed manyfall huntingtrips to Vermont with his best friend Gus Pesce.  Tom was the co-owner of the Ware Gun Shop for a time and founded Tom Colli Associates in 1971.  As an established member in the sporting goods business he was considered by many as a legend in his field.  Second to his family, Tom's business was his passion, he believed "if you love hat you do, you will never work a day in your life."  He was a communicant of All Saints Church in Ware.  Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (McClelland) Colli of Ware, brother Peter T. Colli and his wife Gloria of Haworth, New Jersey, sisters-in-law, Marianne Graff and Eileen Cummings, also of New Jersey, daughter Barbara Colli Richards and her husband Kevin of Williamsburg, MA, son Joseph P. Colli and his wife Raymona of Staten Island, New York, and daughter Lisa Colli Hogan and her husband Thomas of Southampton, MA.  "Pop-Pop" will be dearly remembered always by his 6 grandchildren:  Nathan, William, Colin, and Michael Hogan, Ava Richards and Joseph T. Colli.  Tom could always be found spending time with his grandchildren, attending their various sporting events and cheering them on.  Tom will be missed dearly by his family and friends.  The heaviness in our hearts is only lightened by the wonderful memories we have of him.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11 AM in All Saints Church, 17 North Street, Ware, Massachusetts.  Burial will follow in New St. Williams Cemetery, Ware, Massachusetts.  Calling Hours will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 4 - 7 PM in Cebula Funeral Home Chapel, 66 South St., Ware, MA.  Memorial Donations may be made to All Saints Church, 17 North Street, Ware, MA 01082.

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