JOE COLAUTTI – 1930-2015
Joe Colautti, founder, owner and builder of St. Catherines Marina, died suddenly Monday, November 2, 2015 in Orillia following a short battle with cancer.
Born in Pordenone, Italy near Venice, Joe, along with his wife Rachel and three children Peter, Rosemarie, and Joey created and built St. Catherines Marina on Lake Ontario located immediately on the east side of the Welland Canal. With the help of the entire family, St. Catherines Marina developed into the second largest marina facility in Ontario in terms of number of slips serving both power and sail. The marina was sold in 2000.
Joe was a vocal supporter of the Ontario Marina Operators Association and a feisty advocate in advancing the position of the Association with all levels of government. Beneath the often rough exterior was a very warm and generous man with a great sense of humour and who lived for his family and would do anything for them including some awesome cooking and wine-making.
Joe’s remains will be taken to Italy and placed in the family plot in Pordenone. At Joe’s request there will be no funeral.
