Negaunee, MI- Joseph C. Coluccio, age 81, Negaunee resident passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at his residence while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Joseph was born November 5, 1942, in Ishpeming to the late Sylvester J. and Mary A. (Poggi) Coluccio. Joe was a 1960 graduate of St. Paul's High School in Negaunee and received a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University.

Joe served his country in the US Navy where he was stationed on the USS Forrestal during the Cuban Missile Crisis Blockade. Joe was a Past Commander of the Amvets Post 122 and a member of the Lillian Larson American Legion Post 114.

Affectionately known as "Joe Cop", he worked in law enforcement for many years retiring as Police Chief of Ishpeming Township in 2007, where he implemented the Senior Triad Program and the Children's Bike Safety Program.

Joe enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He lived for spending deer seasons at his "Call of the Wild" camp where the finest meals were served and the greatest stories were told.  Joe also looked forward to the Annual Veterans Fishing Day on the "Big Lake" sponsored by the South Shore Fishing Association.  Needless to say, his family enjoyed many delicious venison and fish fry dinners complements of Joe's great cooking.

Joe is survived by his wife Joanne (Wainio) Coluccio, whom he married on December 4, 1965, three daughters; Lisa (Steve Moss) Coluccio-Moss, Christine (Brad McGuire) Coluccio-McGuire, and Ann (Tim) Barsch, two cherished granddaughters; Madison Moss and Alexis Barsch, a sister Lucy Smith, numerous nieces, nephews and cherished "grandpets"; Abbey, Sofia, Coco and Crookshanks. Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am – 11:30 am on Monday, February 26, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 with Fr. Larry Van Damme to officiate.

Military Honors will be accorded by the US Navy.

A luncheon will follow the Mass at K/D Hall at St. John's Church.

Joe's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.