Obituary of Catherine Colitti

Catherine "Kay" O'Hare Colitti, aged 88, of Warren, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2020. Catherine grew up in Newark, the daughter of Harry and Catherine O'Hare, with her 6 siblings, Joan Barbini, Frances Bonassisa, Carol Ann Lebo, James O'Hare, Dennis O'Hare, and Maureen Campione. Her father passed away at a young age in 1947, and the 16 year old Kay assumed the mantle of breadwinner to support her mother and younger siblings, leaving high school, and working full time for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company on Branford Place, Newark. Kay was able to support her large Irish clan until her mother re-married in the late 1950's. She met her husband, Carlo Colitti, a hairstylist, at a Newark party, and they eventually married on February 12, 1961. Kay and Carlo were quickly known as the "Lucy Ball and Ricky Ricardo" couple, reminiscent of the popular 1950's television show. Kay also earned the moniker "Legs O'Hare" for her wonderful legs. They moved to Green Brook in 1964 and the marriage yielded three children, Mario Colitti of Tewksbury, Giancarlo Colitti of Middlesex, and Lisa Lindner of Warren. Kay also worked part-time as a receptionist in her husband's Springfield beauty salons to support her growing family in the 1960's and early 1970's, while juggling the responsibilities for three young children. Kay resumed full-time employment in 1976, working for Eleganza Fashions, a European fashion boutique owned by her sister-in-law, Vera Colitti. In the 1980's through the mid-1990's, Kay worked as a sales associate for Macy's in Bridgewater, specializing in Liz Claiborne women's attire. Kay had a short-lived career as a fashion model for Eleganza in Basking Ridge for a charitable event. Kay attended Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren during the time the family lived in Green Brook. Kay finally retired with Carlo in 2003 and moved to Brick to enjoy the beach in Sea Girt with their grandchildren, Lauren Lindner, Annabel Colitti, Jesse Colitti, Daniel Colitti, Colin Colitti, and Caroline Colitti. Carlo passed away in April 2008, and Kay moved back near her roots in Warren in 2016, living in a cottage behind her daughter Lisa's house, overlooking a bucolic pond and horse pasture. Kay enjoyed precious time with her children and grandchildren, attending their sporting and equestrian events, and encouraging them in all their endeavors. Kay was a dedicated matriarch since she was 16 years old, and selflessly enjoyed family with a quick Irish wit and wonderful sense of humor.