Charles J. Collova, 91

March 28, 2018

Charles J. Collova, 91, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Wednesday March 28, 2018 at the Mennonite Home.
He was the husband of Camilla (Corey) Collova, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage this past June 11th. Born in Boston, MA, Charlie was the son of the late Santo and Lena (Yetto) Collova.
Charlie was a US Navy veteran, serving during World War II. He was a graduate of St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT and earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Charlie had worked as an account executive for various advertising agencies in the Boston area from the mid 1950s until 1965. He then became the marketing vice president for a mutual fund company in Washington D.C. in 1969. In 1982, Charlie became an IRA consultant to credit unions, which he continued to do until retiring in the mid 1980s.
Moving to Lancaster in 1995, he was a long-time member and supporter of the YMCA, especially programs for disadvantaged children. He was an avid believer in vigorous daily exercise, always pushing to lift a heavier weight or walk the treadmill for 10 more minutes. He was an adventurous and accomplished cook and welcomed even casual visitors with an offer of food. To his surprise, later in life he developed a love for animals after being adopted by a stray cat.
He enjoyed talking with young people, urging them to continue their education and praising their ambitions. He considered obtaining his MBA while working full-time to be his proudest achievement and he believed it was never too late to learn something new, if batteries weren’t required.
In addition to his wife, Charlie is survived by his children: Stephanie married to Gain Bunten, Jennifer Collova and Jay Collova; his grandchildren Alix Bunten, Jared married to Ashling Bunten, and Sofia Collova and his great-grandchild Shaylyn Bunten. He was preceded in death by his son, John, and his sister Rose Collova.
Services will be in Boston, MA at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Charlie’s memory to the Lancaster YMCA, 265 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.