John Joseph Coll Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of John Joseph Coll of Western Springs, 111., formerly of Rutherford, N.J., passed away on January 11, 2023, at the age of 72. Born in New York City, he grew up in Rutherford and attended St. Mary's Parochial Grammar and High Schools. He participated in football, baseball, and glee club. He was a graduate of the Class of 1968.

He went on to attend New Jersey Institute of Technology (formerly Newark College of Engineering), where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. He completed his Master's degree in civil engineering, also from NJIT, in 1975, while being a fraternity member of Alpha Phi Delta.

John worked for several private engineering firms in New Jersey, Virginia, and Illinois before taking a position with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office in Chicago, where he worked for 36 years. He finished his career working within the Inspector General's Office.

He spent 28 years volunteering with SEASPAR in Illinois, which is a group that works with special needs athletes. He worked with the cross-country skiing and swimming teams and assisted with static hot air balloon rides for disabled individuals, as well as assisting in any position where help was needed, driving athletes to events as well as coaching.·

A lifelong Yankees fan, he enjoyed attending the spring training season games while residing at his winter residence in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was a larger-than­ life force of nature. John was loved and adored by family and friends. Although his passing leaves a big hole in their lives, he will forever be in their hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Suzanne Ella Coll (nee Anderson); son, Matthew Coll; brothers, Bill Coll (Austin, Tx.), Stephen Coll (Weatherford, Tx.), Michael Coll (Arizona); sister, Theresa Coll (Rutherford, N.J.); three nieces, Christina, Samantha, and Alexis; two nephews, Michael and Phillip; three great­ nieces, Kaydence, Olivia, and Kinsley; and one great-nephew, Hudson. He was predeceased by his parents, Owen J. and Theresa A. Coll (nee Zaremba).