Joseph "Joe" Coli

Born and raised on Long Island, NY, Joe was the son of Albert and Mary Claire Coli. Bellmore wasn’t just where he grew up; it was part of who he was - vibrant, warm and always full of life.

A true car guy through and through, whether he was under the hood, talking shop or admiring a clean build. Cars weren't just work; they were his passion and a big part of who he was. Joe dedicated more than 49 years to the automotive industry, building not just a career but a legacy. He earned numerous awards throughout his years of service, but what mattered most to those around him was not the recognition—it was the way he treated people. Joe had a rare gift for connecting with everyone he met, no matter their background. He was a trusted mentor to coworkers, always ready with advice, encouragement, or a well-timed joke to lighten the day.

Joe shared a beautiful life with his wife, Rita Handler Coli, who was truly his perfect match. Together, they built a marriage filled with love, laughter and a shared joy for living life to the fullest. If you knew them, you knew—they were the kind of couple everyone wanted to be around.

He was a devoted father to Joey and Nina. Nothing brought him more joy than talking about them. He was immensely proud of both of them and made sure everyone he met knew how wonderful his children were. Joe is also survived by his siblings Al, his wife Camille, Stephen, Ellen and Marian.

To know Joe was to have a story about Joe—and usually one that made you laugh until you cried. He never met a stranger, only friends he hadn’t entertained yet. Whether he was stepping into the role of everyone’s favorite Santa Claus, delivering a flawless Robin Leach impersonation, or somehow turning something as ordinary as replacing a toilet seat into a full-blown comedy routine, Joe had a gift: he made life “FUN” as he vowed to Rita on their wedding day.

He was, at his core, the ultimate storyteller. Not because every detail was accurate—but because every story was better when Joe told it.

Joe’s legacy isn’t just in the family he loved so fiercely, but in the laughter and memories he leaves behind. In every gathering where someone says, “Remember when Joe…,” his stories will live on, growing just a little funnier each time they’re told. Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services for Joe will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn, 1 Pine Knoll Dr., Greenville, SC 29609. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to https://prismahealthupstatefoundation.org or the Greenville Humane Society https://www.greenvillehumane.com/donate/#give-online