John T. Coliton Jr. "Jack"

John T (Jack) Coliton Jr died peacefully with family gathered by his side on Saturday May 20, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia, Michigan. Born on March 7, 1927 in Medford, Massachusetts, Jack was the son of the late John T. and M. Edna (Flynn) Coliton. Raised and educated in Stoneham and Malden, Massachusetts he was the oldest child of four Coliton children in the greatest generation that encompassed a time in history of the Great Depression and World Wars and it had an impact on his life. He remained grateful his entire life for opportunities and was mindful of his beginnings in which he never took anything for granted and treasured his relationships with family and friends. The familiar adage 'life was simpler back then' proved true for Jack. His family and friends sat in the family parlor on Charles Street in Malden playing the piano and harmonized the hit tunes of the day. Jack graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1944 and joined the Navy to serve his country in WWII. Jack worked many jobs after returning from the War including a Taxi Cab driver, and for Polaroid prior to returning to school to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University in Accounting. Upon graduating from BU in 1959, Jack started a career with General Electric that would last until his retirement in 1979. Jack came out of retirement and enjoyed 20 additional years Madison Electric Company.

Jack met his wife Jackie at the Knights of Columbus in Revere and later married at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Malden in 1961. Jack and Jackie moved to Detroit in 1961 where they raised their four children in the Passionist Community of St. Gemma Church and School and St Paul of the Cross Monastery and Retreat House. Jack was active in his communities throughout his life he was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, St. Gemma Men’s Club, Mic-Mac Athletic Club, President of Parent Teacher Guild at Bishop Borgess High School and Founder and President of the Castle Rouge Civic Association. In 1986 the Coliton’s became residents of Livonia where they were active members in the Livonia Seniors and supporters of Livonia Golf.

Jack was the loving father of Victoria (Greg) Stevens of Livonia, Virginia (Jim) Homberg of Saline, John (Kim) Coliton of Milton, Georgia and Michael (Kris) Coliton of Livonia. Cherished grandfather of Jeffrey, John (Sarah), Patrick, Matthew, Jennifer, Megan, Bryan, Joey, Rachel, Jeremy, Lauren and Debra. Jack is survived by his sister Claire (Charles) Burke of Fort Myers, Florida and many nieces and nephews. Jack is predeceased by his wife of 56 years Jacquelyn, his parents, John and Edna Coliton, his brother Ralph and sister Barbara Cleary.

Friends may greet the family on Thursday, June 1, from 3 – 9 PM with a US Navy Honor Guard presentation at 7 PM and Eulogy immediately following at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd. in Livonia, MI 48152. Funeral services will be on Friday, June 2, in state at 10:30 AM until the time of Mass at 11 AM at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI. Memorial contributions appreciated to St. Paul of the Cross Retreat House, 23333 Schoolcraft Rd, Detroit, MI 48223, in memory of Jack Coliton.