Richard Colabelli

Richard K. “Rick” Colabelli, age 75, of Andover and formerly of Wayne, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

After earning a degree in civil engineering, Rick landed his first job in road and highway construction. Over the course of his career, which spanned more than 50 years, he especially loved working in his role as Project Supervisor which he performed with excellence. Rick’s work responsibilities came easy to him because he truly loved what he did. Consequently, most mornings he was out of the house by 5:00 AM and for him, a typical work day was no less than twelve hours. Usually in bed by 7:00 PM, he’d be up the next morning to do it all over again. He took his work seriously and always did his best to be a good provider for his family.

When not at work, Rick kept himself entertained through various pursuits. He loved the outdoors where he could enjoy deer hunting and fresh water fishing on his property in Andover or near his home. He was also known to take trips down to Atlantic City or Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos to test his luck at the casinos where his gaming was exclusively limited to the slot machines. In more recent years, Rick developed an interest in classic cars. Acting on that interest, he purchased a 1990’s Chevy Corvette and also a 1960’s white convertible with maroon interior which he loved to take out on nice days for a leisurely cruise.

Rick truly loved his grandchildren. He was there when all of them was born and, as they grew a little older one of his favorite activities was taking his sons and their wives and his grandkids out for dinner. His restaurant of choice was always Cucina Calandra in Fairfield. There was a chef there named Chef Henry who not only made great pizzas but he’d also make them right in front of you and he always entertained Rick’s grandchildren doing funny things that they loved as he made the pies. Rick would get such a kick out of watching their reactions.

Rick is survived by his two sons:  Anthony and wife Christine Colabelli, and Matthew and wife Jamie Colabelli, both of Wayne; and his four dear grandchildren:  Anthony, Scarlett, Layah, and Levi.