Rudolph J. “Skits” Colella, 83, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, January 11th surrounded by his loving family in the University Commons Long-term Care Center after a long illness.

Rudy is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Marilyn (DeSourdis) Colella; his children, Cynthia J. Barlow and her husband, Stephen of Shrewsbury, Jeffrey W. Colella and his wife, Mikel of Los Angeles, Joseph R. Colella of Bozeman Montana, and Laurie J. Colella of Worcester; a brother, William J. Colella of Shrewsbury; his four beloved grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Emilee and Seth; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. A brother, Augustino Colella predeceased him. Rudy was born in Worcester. His parents were the late Joseph B. and Caroline (Zona) Colella. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade, served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation mechanic in the Pacific during World War II, and has lived here all his life.

Rudy worked in the plastics industry as a Tool and Die machinist all his life. He worked for such companies as DiPierro, Bee and AMOCO Plastics Corporation, Crisci Corporation in Leominster, and the last 10 years before retiring in 1992 for Elkay Products as tooling manager.

He was a member of the Guiding Light Lodge of Masons, the Christ Baptist Church and a life member and past president of the Columbus Civic Association. He loved to bowl and golf and held memberships in the Indian Meadows and Greenhill Country Clubs.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 14th in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Baptist Church, 34 Granby Rd., Worcester 01604, or the Resident Activities Fund, c/o University Commons, 378 Plantation St. Worcester, 01605.