Troy Adam Colalillo

Troy Adam Colalillo, 21, passed away on June 3, 2020, after a courageous 2 year battle with Leukemia. A native of Keyport, NJ, and born in Red Bank, NJ, Troy was born to Michael Francis and Joan Lynn Rabels Colalillo. Troy loved his family and friends immensely and he never met a stranger. He touched the lives of everyone he met and those friendships have lasted up to the very end. He never ceased to thank everyone who cared for him, or ask each person, “How is YOUR day going?” This was always to the amazement of every nurse and doctor. He will continue to be loved by so many that will keep his memory alive. More than anything though, he adored his baby sister, Gabriella, who by twice being his donor, gave everyone two more years with him. They used that time together to bond over Pokemon and spend all the time they possibly could together. Troy is who inspired Gabby to become a nurse, all she will ever want is to make her big brother proud. She will never get his phrase “I love you kiddo” out of her head or her heart, and hopes he can always hear her saying “I love you too, buddy”. Troy also loved his BMW Z4, which usually included the phrase “Don’t tell mom”. Troy had a passion for cars and always said he’d love to fix up an old car with his dad. They did their best with his first car, his Chrysler Sebring aka “money pit”, but nothing was saving that car. They saved thousands of dollars on a couple of projects on his beloved BMW Z4. His dad’s only wish is that they had more time together to tinker on his car. Troy met the love of his life, Amanda Theobald Colalillo, across the hall in their Computer Science dorm at UNC Charlotte his freshman year. They dated for only a short time and parted ways. When Troy got sick, Amanda came “running into the fire” to see him again, and never left his side. She brought him sooo much joy and love during this time, and she loved and will continue to love him more than anything else in the world. He always had time and love for her and he proposed to her with a blue ring pop and his mama’s ring in the hospital after he found out his cancer was back. Before he passed, Gabriella became internet ordained, and Mom asked if he still wanted to marry the young lady next to him. He clearly shook his head, ‘YES’. She replied, “Of course!” Gabby pronounced them husband and wife! She will forever be loved and part of their family, as Troy would love nothing more than to be here for us all. Troy also very much adored his best friends who came to see him, encourage and comfort him. Cameron Koegel, Jeremy Dare, Noah Giroux, Eric Ankarstran, Hunter Sandlin, Riley Bennett, Connor Knox, Curtis, Susie Knabe, Jacob Kinney, Michael Fischetto, Chimeri, Yass (his first nurse in Montreal that became best buds with Troy these two years). In addition, his very best nurse practitioner that became a big sister and “momma bear” for him, fighting for him always in treatment and always only a phone call away for the family, Brittney Matthews, and his favorite Duke nurses, David in 9200, Kathy in 9100, Ryan from Bone Marrow Clinic, and Tiffany and Luz from Recreational Therapy. You all made his time just a little easier and with a few more smiles and comfort. His all time favorite high school teachers quickly became family taking care of and teaching both Troy and Gabriella. He adored Mr. Joseph Walls, Mr. Jon Sherwin and Mr. Gerald Simering always and was inspired by them always. These men were more than educators, they came to visit Troy in the hospital and visited with him many times, while supporting Gabriella at school. Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 the family will be scheduling a celebration of Troy’s life at Lake Benson Park at a later date. Troy is survived his parents, Michael Francis and Joan Lynn Rabels Colalillo; sister and best friend, Gabriella Colalillo; wife, Amanda Colalillo; grandparents, Grace and Adam Rabels and Frank and Evelyn Colalillo; cancer sister-in-law, Katherine Long, his puppers Lucky and Lucy; cats, Sophie and Twinkle; as well as Uncle Mark and Aunt Tootie, Uncle Pat and Aunt Dolores, Uncle Mike and Aunt Liz, “Aunt Toni” and “Uncle David”. He has several cousins as well, but Rachel Rabels Castro came from NJ to visit him in the hospital last year, which meant so much. He was preceded in death by his great grandmother, Minnie Wingler and “cancer brother-in-law”, Jason Long, whom he met along the cancer journey, playing corn hole for exercise and learning how to be strong. Katherine and Joan have become lifelong friends through their shared tragedies and hope and pray that Jason and Troy are now together, playing cornhole once again. The family would like for everyone to please leave a story or a memory in the comments so that they can share in some of the wonderful times you have shared with Troy. Sweet, funny or crazy stories or memories or pictures, will help us to celebrate each moment we had with him. __________________________________________________________