Obituary of Anthony J. Colombetti

Anthony J. Colombetti, 75, passed away on Saturday April 21, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on February 27, 1943 in New Brunswick, NJ and was the son of the late Antonio Pietro and Elizabeth Schroth Colombetti.  He Served in the United States Army as a private first class during the Vietnam War in 1962. Tony was certified by Teterboro School of Aeronautics in New Jersey before moving to Cleveland, Ohio.  He retired from General Electric Company after 30 years, where he had been an Aircraft Crew Chief at the Albany International Airport in Colonie.  Tony also enjoyed maintaining helicopters for the NY State Police before retirement. 

He is the beloved husband of Phyllis Rossi Colombetti, whom he married on April 24, 1971; the devoted father of Nicole T. Colombetti, Justine (Kenneth) Andras and Toni Marie (Jonathan) Conover; brother of Donna Kozub; cherished grandfather of Gianna Andras, Nora Andras, Jillian Andras, Anthony Conover, and Gianfranco Conover and loved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

He was a devoted husband of 46 years, always a loving and supporting father and the best “Papa” to his five grandchildren. He encouraged them to be the best they can be with his unselfish love.  He brought so much joy and laughter to his grandchildren.  He will be remembered by his sense of humor, friendly smile, his ability to make an instant connection to anyone he met, all while being a true gentleman.

An avid golfer and reader, Tony also loved working outdoors, hosting family and friends making each person feel welcome; and cherished the many lifetime friendships he had. 

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 in Clifton Park, NY 12065.  A funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.  Interment with full military honors will be in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lustgarten Foundation (lustgarten.org),(pancreatic cancer research) 415 Crossways Park Drive Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11787 or to the Wounded Warrior Project Donor Care Center (woundedwarriorproject.org), PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541.