Henry Colistra

Henry “Hank” Colistra, 88, passed away Saturday morning, October 22, 2016.

Born on September 15, 1928 in Zangarona Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Gerardo and Pasqualina Colistra.

Hank received his education and graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch Hugh School, class of 1946.

Hank was an honorably discharged veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving his country from 1950 to 1952. He went on to have a very successful career in the insurance industry.

In 1986, Hank and his wife, Jean retired to Cape Cod, MA; where they enjoyed 18 years before returning to Amsterdam in 2004. Hank enjoyed basketball, he loved clamming and fishing on the Cape and painting with water colors for many years. Above all he enjoyed his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.

Hank is survived by his loving wife, Jean M. Dufresne, Colistra, whom he married September 29, 1951, recently celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary, his three children, Gerard (Lorraine) Colistra of Amsterdam, Jean (Frederick) Quattromani of Westerly, RI, and Christine (Kevin) Granfield of Newton, MA; his sister, Marie (Joe) Pacino, of Amsterdam, his seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, brothers and sisters in law. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Hank was also predeceased by his two sisters, Catherine Villa and Virginia Whelly.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday October 26, 2016 at 10:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; followed at 11:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’ Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Amsterdam.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary.

Memorial gifts in Hank’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Church.

To send online condolences to the family, go to www.rileymortuaryinc.com