Mr. William Tyler Colonna, 98, loving and devoted husband of the late Mabel Blackwell Colonna and a resident of Onancock, passed away Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at his residence.
A native of Birdsnest, he was the son of the late George Samuel Colonna and the late Daisy Olivia Richardson Colonna and the last living of nine siblings. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He retired from Delmarva Power & Light and had great enjoyment attending the annual D.P. & L. retiree banquet. A true Christian, Mr. Colonna was a longtime member of Broadway Baptist Church, Sunday school teacher, church deacon, and also attended the Southern Baptist Church Convention in Florida. He was a hard worker, an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting with his rabbit dogs and marsh hen hunting. His greatest joy was spending time with family, and he was affectionately known as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He is survived by two sons, William T. Colonna Jr., of Onancock, and Gregory Keith Colonna and his wife, Lucy, of Centertown, Ky.; five grandchildren, David I. Smith Jr., Dawn S. Justis, Deanna S. Custis, Kelly C. Charif, and Gloria C. Oakley; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Connie Colonna Smith; a son, Dale Parks Colonna; and three granddaughters, Kellie Dawn Colonna, Angela Lee Colonna, and Davida Marie Colonna.
A graveside service was conducted Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Belle Haven Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Smoot officiating. Memorials may be made to Broadway Baptist Church, c/o Season Stiles, 15341 Broadway Road, Onancock, VA 23417.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
