Dearest Theresa, Irene, and Frances,

I was very saddened to learn of Joe's passing.  I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sympathy and love to each of you. 
 Faye Letterman-Rivers

Grandad,
I hope the afterlife is treating you well. I can’t say I really know what awaits us after this world. I’m not even really sure if heaven exists but if it does there’s no doubt that you’ve earned a place there, which is something I don’t think most people can say. After you passed, I talked to Neil on the phone and was reminded of all the things you used to do for us. Memories of us going to the zoo, ToysRUS, Stone Mountain, and our long walks through the park. Behind that park we’d venture into the forest until we found that swing where we always sat. I remember how cool you looked, slowly rocking back and forth as you smoked your cigar. Eventually, we’d run off to play hide and seek in the forest and hide behind those towering trees. I remember the fateful day at that same park when Alek fell off the monkey bars and broke her arm. I didn’t know what to do then but when you calmly scooped her up and carried her home I knew everything would be okay. You were always so calm and understanding no matter what the situation was. Even if Mom and Aunt Robyn don’t agree with me. Anything you could do for us you did without hesitation. You were such an essential part of my childhood. I always looked forward to our adventures together. These last few months I wished more and more every day that I could’ve been there to take care of you. Just as you did for me all those years ago.


Irene, our friend, 
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to your family and you in the loss of your brother.    Your family and you are held in love, thoughts and prayers.
Our blessings to all.

                                                 I love you too, Grandad.

I will never forget how loved you made me feel. I won’t ever forget the electric toy car rides, trips to Stone Mountain, or the adventures through the small forest behind the playground up the street, either. The memories of making fake licenses with you to circle the street in our toy cars while you made sure we obeyed the fake driving laws, the memories of reaching the top of the tallest peak I’d ever seen with you, looking out at the Atlanta skyline and telling you “I can see New York from here!”, the memories of walking through the forest that felt so large with you; I hope you know how important these memories are to me. Beyond the activities we did and the places we went, they were memories of me knowing that no matter what, you loved me beyond measure, without a doubt, and with no exception. Ever. You always had this gift for making me feel heard, no matter what. No matter what I said, what I wanted, or how much I may have asked for, you always heard me. There was always someone who I knew loved me the way you did. As I grew older, the trips on the duck tour and toysRus runs faltered away, but the love I had for you and the love I know you had for me stayed, and that love will never die.

	In December, when I saw you for what would be the last time, we talked about every aspect of your life. We talked about your hometown, childhood, highschool, meeting Ma, professions, my mom, cars, the many cats my mom made you foster, and how much you loved me. These conversations were so important to me. I saw the life of the man who showed me how loved I was. Your life won’t be forgotten; With everything you gave my siblings and I, it could never be, living on in the love we all feel for you and know we deserve because of you. You have given me so much love, you showed me what it meant to be cared for, and I will never forget that.

Thank you for everything, Grandad.

I love you too.


Dear grandad,

I’m glad you were my grandfather. I still remember you picking me up from half-school days and taking me and Nick to get ice cream at Bruester’s. I always liked watching the cars go in and out of the car wash across the street while I picked gummy worms off chocolate ice cream topped with crushed Oreos. I remember going to Stone Mountain and climbing on tree houses and buying whistles that looked like duckbills and quaked when you blew into them. 

You always made me feel like you were interested in my life. You always told me whatever I was doing sounded great and fun. I don’t know if you knew how much that meant but, in case you don’t, it meant the world. It was everything I needed. I think the real job of a grandparent is to love and support the grandchildren—make them feel like at least one other person is out there rooting for them. I think you did your job perfectly. All you ever did was tell me my life seemed exciting and that you loved me. It was everything I needed to hear. 

I love you very much and I am so happy I get to call you my grandfather. Thank you for everything you did—the ice cream, the car rides, the support, the love. Thank you for being my grandfather. 

Love,
Alek

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Joseph Ray Coletta

2 juillet 1939 – 31 janvier 2021

Floral Hills Funeral Home, Cremation Services & Memory Gardens

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