Ilion Joseph Daniel Collea Sr., 92, Ilion, passed away at Faxton-St. Luke's Hospital, Sunday, June 29, 2014, with his loving family by his side. He was born March 8, 1922, in Utica, the son of the late Margaret (Kenefick) and Charles Collea. He was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy. Joseph married Ruth Bennett at Historic St. John's Church, a union blessed for 67 years. He retired in 1984 from Remington Arms and at various times in his life worked for NY Central Railroad, Ilion Home Service, & delivered milk part-time for Dodge's Dairy. He was a devout Catholic and regularly attended mass at the Annunciation Church in Ilion. He was also a member of the AARP and a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Ilion. Joseph's life was dedicated to his family including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as "Grandpa Joe" and was cherished by all. Fond memories of Joe include playing Christmas music or the Mills Brothers as he drove around. He was famous for his spaghetti & meatball Sunday dinners which united four generations by his tableside. He was a classic gentleman who would greet others with a tip of his hat and always had a kind word to say. Joe had some of the funniest sayings that have passed to future generations that will bring fond memories whenever repeated. Joseph is survived by his daughter Nancy Curley, Ilion; sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph Jr. & Barbara Collea, Ilion; and Kevin & Becky Collea, Canandaigua. He leaves 10 grandchildren; Julie & David Ball, Ilion; Bridget & Scott Brownrigg, Delran, NJ; Joseph III & Laurena Collea, Afton; Kristin Collea, Williamsville; Robert Collea, Rochester; Eric Collea, Westfield, MA; and Benjamin, Justin, Cassie, & Samantha Collea, Canandaigua. He also was blessed with 10 great-grandchildren: Brittany & Joey Kinch, Brandon, Kyle, & Matthew Brownrigg, Benjamin Collea, Kiley & Connor Ball, and Joseph IV & Gabriel Collea. He also leaves his brother & sister-in-law; Jerome & Joyce Collea; sister, Eileen Philo; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Collea, Marilyn Miner, and Jeanne Collea; cousins, Anthony Scalzo, Frank DiDominick, & Nicholas Sparagna, many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his best buddy Gerald, friends Louise, Nancy, & Emily; and close neighbors Ron and Barb Dunadee. Joe will also be missed by countless other special friends, neighbors, and anyone else who knew him. Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Ruth (Bennett) Collea; brothers, Bobby, James, John, & Frank Collea; Chuck & Carole Collea, sisters & brothers-in-law; Ethel & Frank Gaetano, Margaret & Gridley Julian, Victoria & John Devins, Katherine & Bill Grimmer, and brothers-in-law; Tom Philo and Harold Bennett and his little canine pal; Norm. His family thanks the staff of St. Luke's Hospital, Allen Calder Wing and especially Shelly and Sam in the ICOU, for their compassion and support through this very difficult time. We are also appreciative for the compassion and comfort care given by Dr. Maria Gesualdo and to Dr. Domenic Aiello & Dr. Lance Brownstein, who were his doctors for over 20 years. Calling hours for Joseph will be Wednesday, July 2, 2014, from 5- 7 p.m. from Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, New York and the Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Church of Annunciation, in Ilion, on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 10 a.m. Father Paul Catena will be officiating. Interment will take place immediately following at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Joseph's memory to Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 West Street, Ilion, NY 13357 or the Herkimer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. For online condolences, go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.