Jose Juan "Papo" Colon Jr.

Mr. Jose Juan “Papo” Colon, Jr., age 41, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 7, 2017. Born in Utica on April 15, 1975, Jose was the son of Kathleen (Velez) Colon and the late Jose Juan “Chi-qua” Colon, Sr. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1993. On August 13, 2005 he married the former Sarah Schepsis, they enjoyed many years together, they were best friends and he loved her unconditionally. Jose was the owner and operator of Salute’s located on the corner of South St. and Kossuth Avenue. He was a successful businessman and jack-of-all-trades, admired by his family for his many skills and talents. Being a dad was one of Papo’s greatest gifts, and in the most recent years he was privileged to spend his days watching over, and nurturing his children. Papo absolutely was in charge of himself and he taught his children respect, and encouraged good behavior. He would want them to remember him and continue to be an influence in each stage of their lives. He learned his paternal values from his large family that included many siblings. He was known for his numerous genuine acts of kindness. He was not a man of many words...but he showed his prideful respect for his loved ones by being concerned about financial needs, emotional support and being a strong, dependable person. Papo celebrated every special family occasion and was ready to lend a hand if he could be of help. He was a funny guy, well-known for his penchant for jokes and punchline jestures. He was also an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting in the Southern tier. His go-to place was Aruba, ‘one happy island’ where he and his wife could relax in the company of cool winds and warm people, as well as many other get-aways. Jose practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church and upheld the Holy Sacraments including his Matrimony and the sacraments that blessed his children. Although the Lord called him home suddenly, Papo would want his children to remember that they were his world on earth, and now he will love and protect them from above. Jose is survived by his wife, Sarah; his children, Natalie Charisse age 9, Santino Anthony age 22 months, and Jose Juan Colon III; his mother, Kathleen Colon; his paternal grandma, Juana Colon; his mother-in-law, Deborah A. Schepsis and her companion, Guy Rzotkiewicz. He will remain in the hearts of his siblings and their loved ones, Jose “Tito” Colon, Maria and John Dote, Dora Colon and Danny Santiago, Jose “Tony” Colon, Jose “Chi-jui” and Neisha Colon, and Mariah Colon and Cornelius Hymes. He was preceded in death by his brother Jose “Nego” Colon. He will be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, especially Mikey Santiago-Colon who was his #1, Best man, godfather to his children, his go-to, and backbone; his many aunts and uncles who were dear to him; his closest friends, Matt Turturo, Rick Morgan Rudley, Gary Foreman, and many other great friends who were very important to him. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Jose “Pepin” Colon; his uncle, William “Billy” Colon; his aunt Josephine Colon; and his wife’s grandmother, Margaret Schepsis. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jose’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler and concelebrant Rev. John Flanagan; the family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the family to establish a scholarship fund for his children; envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc.

Jose Juan "Papo" Colon Jr.

April 15, 1975 - January 7, 2017