Joseph Thomas Kolano

Joseph Thomas Kolano, age 92, of La Palma, CA, passed away on November 19, 2017, surrounded by his beloved family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He impacted so many lives with his love, kindness, humor and his heart for service.

Joe was born on March 18, 1925 in Braddock, PA to Andrzej Joseph and Zofia Maria Wytrwal Kolano. He was the 5th of 10 children in a Polish Catholic family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Chester, and sisters, Maria, Genevieve, Catherine and Lucille. He is survived by his brother, Andrew, and his sisters, Elizabeth, Stephanie and Dolores.

Joe joined the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving as a Gunner’s Mate 3. His military service and the loss of his brother, Chester, in World War II, proved to be a defining time in his life that instilled a love of county and a commitment to service. Upon his discharge in 1946, he became involved in AMVETS, an American Veterans’ organization. He held various roles, including Commander of AMVETS Post #30, President of the AMVETS Department of CA Service Foundation (AMVETS Thrift Stores) and Executive Director of AMVETS Service and Rehab., Social Services and Welfare Organization. In 1994, he received the annual Silver Helmet Award, sometimes called the Veterans’ Oscar, for AMVET of Year, to recognize his excellence and achievements.

Joe met the love of his life, Agnes Patricia Moszumanski, when they were in 1st grade. They were married on August 17, 1946. Their marriage, rooted in their lifelong, strong Catholic faith, was one to be admired and emulated. They were married for 57 years, until Agnes’ death on April 25, 2003. They had 5 children: Thomas, Daniel, Patrice, Celeste and Gregory. Marriages added Tamera, Roberta, Kit, Robert and Susan. He was blessed with 20 grandchildren: Daniel Jr., Jennifer, Michael (RIP), Matthew, Nathan, Rebecca, Wesley, Joseph, Milissa, Jill, Darlene, Kristin, Jeffrey, Michelle, Andrew, Lauren, Patrick, Gregory II, Kelsey and Sean and 17 great-grandchildren. Faith and family were of the utmost importance to Joe and Agnes and their life reflected it. The family shared countless times together, including attending church, volunteering for church fiestas, baptisms, birthdays, graduations and holidays. Christmas Eve, beginning with mass and followed by a blessing, dinner, desserts and a visit by Santa Claus (Joe) was and continues to be a favorite family tradition.

After they were married, Joe and Agnes moved to Dearborn, MI. He received his degree in Accounting from the Univ. of Detroit, Detroit Business College, and began working as an accountant. In 1961, the family moved to Carson, CA, where he later became Director of Accounting for CSULB, a job he held for over 20 years, before moving to CSUDH to finish out his long accounting career.

We will miss his earthly presence, but we are comforted by the knowledge of where he is now…in heaven with God and Agnes. He will forever be in our hearts.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Anaheim, Anaheim, CA.