William M. Colestro

William M. Colestro, 84, formerly of Bradford and Ellicottville, passed away, Sunday February 12, 2023, at Absolut Care in Westfield NY.

Born May 25, 1938, in Alliance OH, he was a son of the late Joseph Henry Colestro and Alice (Steck) and her husband Joseph Bizzaro.

Growing up in Bradford, Bill was a 1951 graduate of St. Bernard. His skills in basketball and football resulted in a basketball scholarship for Rochester Institute of Technology where he studied art and design. Later, active in the Bradford Youth Basketball League, many people in Bradford fondly called Bill “Coach”. He also provided leadership and support for the Bradford Central Christian Rambler Association. Many Good Fridays until a few years before his death you would find Bill in St. Bernard kitchen baking excellent fish dinners for hundreds of people followed by an evening at the Italian Club. 

On February 16, 1961, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed near Pearl Harbor at Hickam AFB in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was an aircraft mechanic and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was the fearless Center of the Hickam AFB Football Team. He was honorably discharged on August 6, 1964.  

He was a Master Carpenter and contractor and worked on homes and condos in Bradford and Ellicottville NY. After his hard days at work, he enjoyed kicking back with his friends and coworkers, and having beers at the Ellicottville American Legion Post #659 and the Little Valley VFW. He enjoyed telling jokes and playing cards, especially SCAT. He had an excellent voice and would often be asked to sing the Irish favorite, Danny Boy, or Louis Armstrong’s Wonderful World.

Surviving is one daughter, Debra (David) Wilber, and their children, Mary and Abby, one son, Joseph Colestro, one stepdaughter, Lisa (Brett) Crassi, and their children, Ariana and Briella, and one stepson, Jesse Grzankowski, and several great-grandchildren, one brother, Jim (Ann) Colestro, of Bradford, and Bill’s former wives, Molly Colestro, and Janice (Grzankowski) Colestro, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, his first wife, Mary (Gigliotti) Colestro, two brothers, Charles Colestro, Robert “Bob” (Freda) Colestro of Streetsboro, OH and one sister, Judith (Walter “Red”) Smith of Lexington, KY.

Friends will be received on Thursday February 16, 2023, from 11:00 am to Noon at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave. where funeral services will be held at Noon with Fr. Jim Gutting of St. Bernard Church, officiating. Following the service Military Honor's by members of the United States Air Force and the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford will be accorded at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Our deepest sympathy to Bill’s family during this sad and difficult time. May your cherished memories help ease your pain and keep him close to you always. GOD bless your family. Rest In Peace Bill.
— Marty & Kris Sapko

Bill was my coach for 4 years in the old BYBL at St. Bernard''s gymnasium. He was fair, committed and supportive. Great guy to play for. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Appears that he lived a very full life. A GOOD man!!
— James D Pecora

Bill was a great coach/mentor to many in the Bradford Youth Boy''s Basketball League. His teams seemed to win the title every year. I had a courtside seat right next to him (6th "man") for a few of them. He was just what kids wanted a coach to be: fair, engaged and supportive. Every one of us liked and respected him. Wonderful man.
— James Pecora

Good bye my old friend. I was introduced to the colestro family in the early 50''s , my friendship was spread between Bill and his father, who was the master of his home, and also the best cook, esp. Old fashion Italian Sunday meal. Rest in peace..
— Max goodman

Great memories of Bill who hired me & a few buddies to work in the yard at Goodman’s Scrapyard and also introduced us to Sonny & Katie Levi at the OLD Spot Cafe and a great group of people there! Godspeed old friend & thank you
— Dave Feely

Thoughts are are with the family. A long life he lived. So thankful for a happy life he journeyed through. Memories you will share.
— Margo Pearl

I am sorry to hear of your loss.
— Stoney Greenberg

Condolences

  • Our deepest sympathy to Bill’s family during this sad and difficult time. May your cherished memories help ease your pain and keep him close to you always. GOD bless your family. Rest In Peace Bill.

    — Marty & Kris Sapko
  • Bill was my coach for 4 years in the old BYBL at St. Bernard''s gymnasium. He was fair, committed and supportive. Great guy to play for. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Appears that he lived a very full life. A GOOD man!!

    — James D Pecora
  • Bill was a great coach/mentor to many in the Bradford Youth Boy''s Basketball League. His teams seemed to win the title every year. I had a courtside seat right next to him (6th "man") for a few of them. He was just what kids wanted a coach to be: fair, engaged and supportive. Every one of us liked and respected him. Wonderful man.

    — James Pecora
  • Good bye my old friend. I was introduced to the colestro family in the early 50''s , my friendship was spread between Bill and his father, who was the master of his home, and also the best cook, esp. Old fashion Italian Sunday meal. Rest in peace..

    — Max goodman
  • Great memories of Bill who hired me & a few buddies to work in the yard at Goodman’s Scrapyard and also introduced us to Sonny & Katie Levi at the OLD Spot Cafe and a great group of people there! Godspeed old friend & thank you

    — Dave Feely