10/02/2026
Thank you to our customers, friends, and community for your understanding, love, and support during this difficult time.
Colello Air Technologies will be closed on Monday, October 5, 2026 for our grandfather (to Arika McCargar and Mackenzie Thomas) and Father (to Michael Colello) services.
Our name. Our family. Our legacy. ❤️
Michael A. Colello, 90, passed away Sept. 30, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.
The calling hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, October 4, at T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton. The Funeral will be held at 11a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clayton, followed by burial at Grove Cemetery in LaFargeville.
Mike was born to Italian immigrants, Angelo D and Margaret (Ginnetti) on Aug. 1, 1936, in Lackawanna, New York. He grew up poor yet proud of his heritage. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren Italian vocabulary words and showing them the true meaning of “la famiglia”. He was a devout Catholic, and his faith carried him through many obstacles.
Mike was a born entrepreneur. As a young boy he carried newspapers for the Buffalo Daily News, delivered chickens and worked at a clam shack to help support his family. After graduating from Lackawanna High School, Mike worked at Bethlehem Steel. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served on the John R. Pierce. He saw the world through his Navy commitment and was Honorably Discharged.
On April 30, 1960, he married the former Blanche Gailey, the “sunshine” of his life at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clayton. They were married for 66 loving years.
Mike was given the opportunity to own and operate F.K. Gailey Co. Inc. in LaFargeville. His business savvy helped him grow the business. His entrepreneurial nature led him to purchase Frontenac Crystal Springs Water, which is still a Colello business today. Mike was involved in various business endeavors along the way including the L.A.Golf course. He was the Board President of Redwood National Bank as well as a member of the E. J. Noble Hospital Board.
Mike was a long-time member of the Wednesday Night Men’s Twilight Golf League and a proud member of the Clayton and LaFargeville Lions Club, where he held many positions including past President.
Regardless of where he was, Mike always had a harmonica handy. There were many occasions that concluded with his rendition of “You are my Sunshine”.
Surviving is his wife, Blanche; three sons, Michael (Audrey) of Watertown, Peter of Clayton and Joseph of Alexandria Bay; two daughters, Susan (Tim) of Clayton and MargaretMary (Scott) Clement of Watertown; sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, two half-brothers and two granddaughters.
Donations can be made in his name to T.I.E.R.S., P.O. Box 524, Clayton, N.Y. 13624.