Patrick Charles Colley Jr., 71

DOVER - Patrick Charles Colley Jr., 71, of Dover, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009, in Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was born on Dec. 2, 1937, in Bradford, Pa., son of the late Patrick and Elizabeth (Barber) Colley. Patrick served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years. After his military career, he worked for Lockheed in Aircraft maintenance for six years and spent 10 years with the Delaware Motor Vehicle before retiring in 2000. He was a member of the DAV and Lifestyles Fitness Center. He enjoyed playing golf, riding his bicycle and working out at the gym. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Christopher; and a sister, Lena. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gloria J. Colley; two sons, Paul Colley and his wife Moneyn of Dover, John Colley and his wife Lori of Bethany Beach; a daughter, Julie Highland and her husband Joe of Dover; three brothers, Michael Colley and his wife Doris, and George Colley, all of Bradford, and youngest brother and best friend, Tony Colley and his wife Connie of Jacksonville, N.C.; three sisters, Patricia Colburn of Jamestown, N.Y., Peggy Dixon of Jamestown, N.Y., and Sally Johnston of Bradford; three brothers-in-law, Donald Tassone and his wife Dot of Ohio, Robert Tassone and his wife Barb of Bradford, and Philip Tassone and his wife Jan of Bradford; grandchildren, John Patrick, Michael Anthony, Annamarie, Tessa and Olivia, Ashlyn and Rebeka; a host of nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Jim Bugner and his wife Hilda and Joanne Ashbaugh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Friday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State St., Dover, where friends may gather one hour before services. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Rd., Suite 1213, Newark, DE 19713, or Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.