Monte J. Colucci, of Paulden, AZ, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 2, 2021. He was born on Jan. 12, 1943, in Hempstead, Long Island, N.Y. He grew up in and attended High School in Cazenovia. After High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany, working in the motor pool for most of his tour of service. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Cazenovia where he worked for multiple local companies, driving oil trucks, tankers and tractor-trailers, as well as driving a school bus for the Cazenovia School District. He and Terry (McEvers) Colucci were married in 1966 in Nelson. He later drove for Greyhound Bus Lines for 25 years with multiple Safe Driver distinctions.
After many years of driving both trucks and buses, in 1990 he and Terry moved to Paulden, AZ to operate the Dells View Mobile Home Park in Prescott. In 2007 he sold the park and retired from working life.
Monte was a lifelong admirer and collector of antique cars, trucks and flywheel gas engines. He belonged to numerous clubs, including the Mohican Model A Ford Club of New York, the Prescott Antique Auto Club, the American Truck Historical Society and the Arizona Flywheelers. He was an active member of the Chino Valley United Methodist Church, where he served as communion steward and liturgist for many years.
Monte also enjoyed collecting classic car and truck miniatures and models, antique toys, antique clocks, old bottles and Depression Glass, and had a true passion for anything old and unique.
Monte is survived by his wife of 55 years, Terry, his two sons, Monte Jay (Sandy) of Canastota, and Theron (Krista), of Utica, N.Y., four grandchildren – Adam, Daniel, Chase and Thera, and one great-granddaughter, Ily. Also, his sisters Christy (Tim) McArdle, Cindy (Roy) Gordon, Kim (John) Henkel and several nieces and nephews.
Contributions in Monte’s memory may be made to the Chino Valley United Methodist Church / Nelson United Methodist Church, Nelson N.Y.
