Joseph Harry Koltko's Obituary
Many of you may know my dad as Joe and some of you may remember him as Joey… to his children he was dad… it does not matter what you call him as we all remember him as a man who enjoyed his life, loved his children, believed family was the most important priority and adored his family and friends.
He was a son and a brother…
Dad grew up outside of Elkridge, Maryland. His parents, Anna and Nicholas, had 7 children. George, Anna, Nick, Emily, Rose and Marge were a significant part of Joe’s life. He not only believed family was the most important priority but he practiced it. Life could not get much better. Growing up on the farm surrounded by nature, good food and family is exactly how he wanted to spend the rest of his life.
He always loved the outdoors and dreamed of a simple life far away from the noise… In the mountains he would say, that’s where you will find me.
He was a dad…
Dad had four children, Carrie, Melanie, Joseph and Kyle. He wanted nothing but the best for his children and was a devoted father to all. There was not a game or a life event that dad was not a huge part of. He was extremely proud of all of his children. He enjoyed sharing his words of advice and wisdom. He always wanted more for his kids. He truly believed in each one of us and knew that we would and could make an impact on the world. No matter the distance he always wanted us close.
He was a pop pop…
Dad was a pop pop to four beautiful grandchildren, Grant, Elliott, Jacie and Haley. I do not think the kids could keep up with him! He doted on his grandkids and could never have enough time with them. He would run, play, wrestle and chase them until they couldn’t take it anymore! There was always a lot of laughter. He had a way with kids. He spent a lot of time with all of his nieces and nephews and their children. He bragged about all of them and again was proud of the family.
He was an amazing man…
I do not think there was one thing he could not do if he set his mind to it. He was an athlete. He enjoyed coaching everyone all the time. What I mean by that is you were never off limits. He was always going to tell you what he thought and how he could help you be better. He was a fierce competitor and pretty funny! His friends, family and children fondly think of him as the agitator… He could get you going. He had a way of getting everyone so riled up. He loved it. He loved riding his motorcycles and of course they were blue, his favorite color. For dad it was a way of life. It was a way to bond with his brothers, his children and his friends.
He worked for the University of Maryland for over 15 years. It was there that he grew his network of friends. He has an amazing group of friends who loved and supported him and in return he would do whatever he could to return the favor.
It is difficult to summarize Dads life because he was so full of life. Happy go lucky. Fun and Hilarious. He would always tell me success will come from two things… self confidence and happiness. You find one, you will find the other and you will have all you need. Dad had that success in his life. He knew it well. We all loved him and he loved us all right back.
For those of you that would like to make a donation or support the family in any way we ask that you support the MAV, Motorcycle Accidents Victims charity. Making a donation in my father’s name, Joseph H. Koltko. The MAV charity helps to support motorcycle victims who have been in accidents through no fault of their own.
http://motorcycleaccidentvictims.org/ Thank you!
A Remembrance Tribute will be held between 2 and 4 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Lasting Tributes Cremation & Funeral Care 814 Bestgate Rd. Annapolis, MD. A time of shared rembrances will be held at 4pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?