Nicholas Kolesar

Nicholas Kolesar, 101, of Colonial Heights, passed away on February 28, 2024. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on December 3, 1922, Nick was the son of the late Michael Kolesar, Sr. and Anna Kochera. He was preceded in death by his brothers Michael Jr., Emil and Joseph; his sisters Dorothy Zipovsky and Elizabeth Brekke; and granddaughter Laura Elizabeth Kolesar.

A World War II veteran, Nick enlisted in the Army at age 18 and retired as Chief Warrant Officer W4 after 28 years of service in the Quartermaster Corps. His overseas service included duty in North Africa, Sardinia, Italy, Germany, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. His numerous military decorations and awards include Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the outstanding performance of services. At age 80, he prepared his “memoirs”, a lengthy document detailing his long military career. 

After military service, Nick was employed as a Revenue Officer with the Internal Revenue Service for 15 years; his additional duties included Instructor and EEO Counselor. He earned his bachelor’s degree following military service. 

Nick provided volunteer service at Fort Lee spanning over 50 years that included serving as an usher at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic service; and preparing tax returns at the Tax Center as well as training new volunteer tax preparers annually. He also supervised the preparation of tax returns under the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program at the Crater District Area Agency for the Aging in Petersburg. In recognition of Nick’s volunteer service for the military community, he was awarded the Commander’s Award for Public Service by the Commanding General of Fort Lee. 

As member of the Lion’s Club, Nick served as President, Treasurer and Chairman of the Hearing Conservation Committee, which conducted hearing screening for thousands of students in the Prince George Public schools. Also, he delivered Virginia Voice radios to print handicapped individuals in the Tri-Cities area. As a member of the Memorial Society of the Southside Chapter of the Retired Officers Association, Nick served as Vice-President for sales of cemetery lots at Southlawn Memorial Park.

Nick is survived by his wife of 76 years, Rose; daughter Rosanne Kolesar; son Nicholas Michael Kolesar; grandson Bradley Edward Kolesar and wife Jenna; great-grandchildren Avery Kolesar, Nolan Kolesar, and Michael Garrett; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with full Military Honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Southlawn Memorial Park, S. Prince George, VA. Funeral arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes.