Jon A Coller's Obituary
Jon Anthony Coller, 78, of Madeira Beach, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Originally from Springfield, Vermont. His grandparents Charles and Mary owned an Italian-American Restaurant called the Springfield Lunch (1930s-1960s) and his father Melvin was the Manager. Jon and his family moved to Florida, and he graduated from Boca Ciega High School Class of 1960. He was a member of the high school’s baseball and basketball teams. From 1961-1964, he was a Shortstop for several minor league baseball teams: Tampa Tarpons, Billings Mustangs, Brunswick Cardinals, and Selma Cloverleafs. One time he played a baseball game against Pete Rose. Jon loved playing golf and was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Socks Baseball Team, the Notre Dame College Football Team, the Boston Celtics Basketball Team, the Boston Bruins Hockey Team, and the New England Patriots.
After his professional baseball career, Jon completed the four year St. Petersburg Electrical JATC Inside Apprenticeship Program, became a licensed Journeyman Wireman/Electrician, and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 915 (formally 308) for over 35 years. Jon was a proud union member and believed that all employees should have living wages, medical benefits, retirement benefits, and safe working conditions. During his long career, Jon worked at several casinos in Reno, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe. Jon completed electrical work at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL, and several local stadiums and hotels.
He also volunteered his time and helped family and friends with electrical and handyman work. Jon encouraged his two children to be active in sports, earn high school diplomas, obtain higher education, and pursue meaningful careers. In honor of his legacy of generosity, kindness, and good sportsmanship we want to offer scholarships to one female and one male high school athlete graduating in 2021. The student must an active member in good standing with a Boca Ciega High School sports team. Depending upon how much money we raise we will add more scholarships. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the scholarship fund in Jon Anthony Coller’s honor: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jon-a-coller-memorial-athletic-scholarship
Jon was preceded in death by his grand-parents, Charles and Mary Gaspardino; parents, Melvin L. Coller and Salena Gaspardino Coller; step-mother, Alma Coller; and sister-in-law, Joan Gelinas.
He is survived by his wife, I. Colette Coller; his children Salena and Anthony; his daughter-in-law, Carrie; his grandchildren, Joseph and Elizabeth; his brother, Charles “Chuck” and sister-in-law, Sheila; step-sister; Cindy and brother-in-law, Dennis; and his nieces, Cheryl and Annette; his nephews, Mike, Troy, and Richie; three grand-nieces, Kelly, Elisabeth and Ayanna; and two grand-nephews, Wesley and Dylan.
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