Shrewsbury – William J. “Bill” Colella, 87, of Shrewsbury, went home to the Lord Monday, Aug. 6, 2012 at the Christopher House of Worcester.
Bill is survived by his much loved nieces, Cynthia Barlow and her husband, Stephen, of Shrewsbury, Laurie Colella and partner Michael Gentile of Holden, and Patricia Colella of Las Vegas, NV, and three nephews, Jeffrey Colella and his wife, Mikel, of North Hollywood, CA, Dr. Joseph Colella of Seattle, WA, and Gregory Colella of California. Bill is also survived by a great-niece and three great-nephews that he adored and loved spending time with, Dr. Emilee Colella of Washington, D.C., Joshua Barlow and wife Lindsey of Boston, Zachary Barlow of Shrewsbury, and Seth Colella of Bozeman, MT. He also leaves behind several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Caroline (Zona) Colella and Joseph B. Colella, and two brothers, Augustino and Rudolph Colella.
Bill was born in Worcester and attended Worcester public schools graduating from North High School and later graduating from The Juilliard School. In his youth he was an accomplished competitive swimmer, winning many medals, and coaching younger swim teams.
He served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII. Upon discharge, he later moved to New York City and eventually Los Angeles, CA, where he pursued a career in acting and dancing. He appeared as an extra and dancer in 85 movies including, “Kiss Me Kate,” “White Christmas,” “High Noon,” and “The Merry Widow.”
After an accident put an end to his dancing career, Bill began work in banking and became a Federal Bank Examiner for many years. He was a gourmet cook, loved music, dance, opera, going to Boston and New York City to see shows and plays, gardening, and visiting friends. Throughout his life, he also enjoyed traveling all over the world.
Upon retirement, Bill moved back to Massachusetts to be close to his family who he loved cooking for and spending time on Cape Cod with, and continued his hobbies and travel. He especially looked forward to time with his great-nephews, teaching them to make traditional family recipes and sharing his many interests.
After cremation, burial will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m., in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. There are no calling hours.
Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Academy of Performing Arts Incorporated of Orleans, 120 Main St., Orleans, MA 02653 (www.apacape.org).
To share your thoughts and memories of Bill, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
