Joseph F. Colin-

Following a courageous battle with the ravages of a series of afflictions in the past year, Joseph Finley Colin, 89, of East Palestine, OH completed his journey on this earthly realm and was lovingly escorted by the angels into the divine presence of Our Lord and the communion of saints on April 14. He had been in the care of Caprice Health Care Center in North Lima, OH since suffering a serious fall in August of 2024.

While his surviving son, Harry L. Colin, also of East Palestine, OH is now engulfed in grief, he is able to take consolation by the firm belief that his father's physical anguish is over and he is now in the joyful light of eternal life where his profound faith has reunited him with his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara, in the heaven Our Lord has prepared from the foundation of the world.

Joseph was the oldest child of Joseph M. Colin and Alma (Finley) Colin of Tarentum, PA, where he was born on June 17, 1935. His parents, along with his brother, Edward Colin, and sisters Sarah McHugh and Melissa Haugh predeceased him. Joseph's youth was characterized by frequent household movement that included brief stops in Titusville, PA, Franklin, PA, McKees Rocks, PA, Pittsburgh, PA and Youngstown, OH.

Joseph graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1953, where his family had settled during his sophomore year. While a student there he developed a remarkable talent for machine shop work and also cultivated a profound talent for music. He played the tuba in the Beaver Falls band, and also played guitar in a number of small ensembles and groups. He also played the organ and later, the button box accordion. Most importantly, it was in high school where he met Barbara. Both Joseph and Barbara soon realized that God had blessed them each with a beloved partner for life, and they were married at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in New Brighton, PA on November 12, 1955, beginning an incredible 69 year marital journey. Harry was born to them in 1956 and for many years they were members of that church and later Saint Philomena's in Beaver Falls.

Joseph began work at Babcock and Wilcox Company in Beaver Falls shortly after graduating from high school. He ultimately spent 33 years working there, beginning as a laborer before earning his first class machinist license. During the early years he also worked additional jobs to support his family, including machining positions at Ing-Rich Industries, Chambers Company and as a car salesman at Schafer Motors.

In 1970, Joseph was promoted to the front office at B&W, working in customer relations as a problem-solver; this position saw him travel extensively throughout the country servicing company products and counseling clients on best procedures. During this time he also was awarded a US patent for a special tube machining process that soon was copied industry-wide.

In 1988, opportunity arose for Barbara and Joseph to move to Winamac, IN to join Plymouth Tube. It was during his tenure there that also saw him expand his travel globally, as business took him to Sweden, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. After 10 years in Indiana, they moved back to her home region and settled into East Palestine in 1998, where they consolidated households with Harry. Joseph returned to take a position with Maverick Tube where he worked for two years before retiring to a life that included much volunteer work. When his mother-in-law was confined to a nursing home in Beaver County in her final months, both Barbara and Joseph volunteered at the facility, bringing assistance and consolation to may people, reflecting their commitment to service and sharing. They were for many years active members of the Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Parish in Boardman, OH, where Joseph served as a lector during Divine Liturgies and they participated in several church groups and ministries. They also enjoyed a mid-life discovery of the pleasures of golf, while continuing their life-long passion of photography, for which they each earned multiple awards.

Harry wishes to convey deepest appreciation to both the nurses and staff at Caprice Health Care Center for their incredible care during those agonizing months of Joseph's illness. They became not simply caregivers, but members of the extended family. The kindness offered, the consolation provided, and the friendships developed during the nearly six years of care for Barbara and Joseph have stamped an indelible mark of gratitude and love on Harry's heart. Harry also extends deepest appreciation to the caregivers from Akeso Hospice Group; they offered both critical insight and comfort in a spirit of friendship and concern. Joseph, despite his afflictions, often entertained his caregivers with his creative story-telling, robust sense of humor and reflections on his many travels.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24 at 11 AM at St. Augustine Parish in Chippewa, PA, with Father William J. Schwartz presiding. A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 in the church and a reception will follow immediately after the Mass in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine, in North Jackson, OH. (www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.com)

Linsley-Royal Funeral Home in East Palestine is in charge of arrangements.