Burial Date
Obituaries » RUDOLPH A. JR. COLO
COLO, RUDOLPH A. “RUDY” JR., 90, of Barre, passed away October 12, in the peace and comfort of his home. He was born on June 29, 1923, the only child of Irene Ghidotti and Rudolph Arther Colo of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Rudy was deeply moved and grateful for the 100 birthday cards he received for his 90th birthday this past June. Rudy graduated from Sara T. Haskins School in 1937 and from Drury High School in 1941 where he was an honor student and started a long career in baseball and basketball. He worked in a defense plant in Pittsfield before entering the U. S. Army in April of 1943. After training at Billings General Hospital in Indiana as a medical and surgical technician, Rudy was assigned to the 100th General Hospital. His unit served in both England and France. During the Battle of the Bulge, he became a replacement for the fallen medics of the 30th Infantry Division, and was part of their march across Europe. He earned four Battle Stars and was very proud of his service to his country. He spoke openly of his experience, but always finished by saying “War is hell.” After his discharge, Rudy enrolled at Norwich University in Northfield. At Norwich, he became a Dean’s List student and starred in basketball and baseball. He was a lifetime member of Sigma Phi Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. It was at this time when he ruptured his appendix and could not complete his baseball season. Vincent Sassone, a fellow fraternity brother, put some golf clubs in his hands and Rudy found a new love. After Norwich, Rudy received his master’s degree from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. Rudy’s entire professional career was spent in education. He served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and administrator. He enjoyed assignments at Waitsfield, Williamstown, Cabot, Marion and Spaulding High School in Barre. He retired in 1987. Marion High School brought Rudy a special joy. The students and faculty formulated the quality education and standards that made him so proud and gratified for so many years. On June 5, 1948, Rudy married Lea L. Paceti from Barre at the St. Monica Church. Their union was blessed with a lovely daughter named Valerie, who gave them much love, pride and joy. Valerie predeceased him in 2009 and his wife, Lea, passed away in 2010. Rudy was a member of the Country Club of Barre for 60 years. He served as director for many years and club president when it was expended to an 18-hole course in 1969-1970. He had four “holes-in-one” and shot his age twice when he was 77 years old. Rudy’s thirst for knowledge and positive twist on life was always complemented by his sense of humor. He was a wise and trusted mentor for so many. Rudy is survived by his devoted son-in-law, Jay Trombley and wife, Joan; four step-grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Rudy is also survived by a special nephew, Robert Miller and wife, Jane, of Deerfield, N.H., and their three children, as well as extended family and longtime neighbors, Randall and Judie Copping and their children. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated from St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Barre, of which Rudy was a member for over 60 years.
