Obituaries

James W Colonis was the proud first generation Greek-American son of

Vasilios and Kanella,(Kalamaris), and the oldest of five brothers born on Dec. 14, 1932. After his graduation from Chapman Technical High School, he furthered his education at Mitchell College and Thames Valley College.

He started in “the yard” at Electric Boat and completed a 46 year career on “the Hill” as a Nuclear Piping Designer. He was a loyal Union Man with the MDA, serving as a Trustee, and the wildly popular emcee for many of his retiring union brother’s retirement parties. Following his retirement he served as a Piping Drafting Instructor as well a math tutor.

He was a life long member of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London. He served a decade on the Church Council and was President for two years. He was particularly dedicated to the St Sophia Foundation Fund helping it to grow with unrivaled stewardship. He also helped organize many successful Greek Dances, Automobile Raffles, and worked the Food Festival tirelessly for many years.

Jim was an avid classic car enthusiast. He was a member of the Electric Boat Ski Club and the Pequot Cyclers. During the winter he would ski as often as possible favoring Mount Snow and Stowe Mountain. He also enjoyed skiing at Vail and Copper in Colorado, as well as Whistler in British Columbia. He passed on his passion for skiing to his children and his grandson.

He married his high school sweetheart Claudette Patenaude and has two children, William and Christine. He was absolutely devoted to his grandson James, teaching him many things about life and his Greek heritage. His love for Greek music and dancing was a special bond they shared.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brother Harry, and his nephew Gregory . He is survived by Claudette his wife of nearly 70 years, his son and his wife Cathy of Hampton NH, his daughter and her husband Michael Babinski of Lebanon, brothers Steve, Peter and Angelo, his grandson James, as well as his nieces Nellie

Rodriguez ,Caroline Martin and Cathy Colonis ,and nephews Harry, David, Steven, Bill and George Colonis.

Contributions should be directed to the St Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church or it’s Foundation Fund , 200 Hempstead St, New London, Ct 06320.

Calling hours Wed. March 23rd at Impelletteri-Malia Funeral Home 5:30-7:30 Funeral at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church Thursday March 24th with viewing from 10-11am and Liturgy at 11 am