Joseph E. Colizoli

Dr. Joseph E. Colizoli passed away peacefully in his home on January 9, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on June 20, 1942, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, “Dr. Joe” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a respected member of the community in Bellevue, Ohio where he spent the majority of his 40-year career in medicine and lived on a 64-acre farm.

Dr. Joe earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University 1971. He then received his Doctor of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University in 1973, setting the stage for a remarkable career in anesthesiology. Dr. Joe dedicated himself to his profession, bringing both compassion and expertise to the care of his patients throughout his years of practice.

Throughout Joe’s life he was known for an expansive and passionate range of hobbies, interests, and talents. Music was an enormous part of Joe’s life, especially classic jazz, Tejano, and love songs. He was not only always playing recorded songs and singing during his waking hours, but he also studied and became quite adept at playing the saxophone and accordion. He also was a licensed pilot and for a period of time-built model airplanes. He was a pool shark, a firework enthusiast, a pinball wizard, and an avid reader. Joe was an accomplished horseman, in both breeding and showing his quarter horses. He took great pride in his farm, learning all he could about growing crops and collaborating with local farmers. Joe also really enjoyed spending time in and working in the woods on his property. He loved trees and oil painting landscapes. He was always an avid sports fan, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Cleveland Cavs, the Cleveland Guardians (Indians), and The Ohio State Buckeye Football Team.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Olympia Collizzolli, and his sister, Linda Mattola. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Jill Colizoli. He was a proud father to his children: Lisa (Jeff) Cefaratti, Julie Colizoli, Ann Marie Colizoli, Olympia (Aaron Guzic) Colizoli, Alex Colizoli, Emily (Kevin Cooper) Colizoli, and Jessica (Dan) Bennett. His legacy extends to his seven grandchildren, Noah, Daniel, Genevieve, Evangeline, Celeste, Lijla and Nivah. Joe’s influence was felt not only within his family but also among the countless lives he touched during his career and beyond. He will be remembered for his generosity, genuineness, and laughter.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family asks for any gifts to be made in the form of a designated donation to the Zusman Hospice Greatest Needs fund at www.whv.org/donate. To sign the online register book and to leave a condolence for the family please visit Joseph’s tribute page at graumlichfuneralhome.com

Arrangements with GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207