William Kolodinsky

William (Bill) Kolodinsky of Ponte Vedra Beach passed away on October 15, 2016 at age 87. He was born in New Jersey to Hungarian immigrant parents who ran a small tailor shop. The first of his family to attend college, Bill was a basketball scholarship athlete at Seton Hall University before transferring to Rutgers University where he obtained a BA and MA. He began a long a career in education, initially as a guidance counselor/teacher.  He eventually became the Director of Admissions, and later, Director of the Career Counseling Center at Rutgers. He retired to Ponte Vedra in 1991.

Bill married Helen Kulpinski in 1951 and remained happily married for more than 50 years until her death in 2004. They had three boys, Rick (partner Ann Brady) of New Smyrna Beach, Bob (wife Corey) of Harrisonburg Va. and Pit (wife Jennifer) of Flagstaff, Az. His grandchildren Chris (wife Allison), Kari, Quinn, and Katie, as well as great grandchildren Kavin, Leighton, and Reese will miss “Grampy,” as will his daughter-in-law Alison Welsh Kolodinsky.

In December 2005 Bill married Beverly Holmes of Ponte Vedra and they enjoyed a wonderful 10 years together.  Bill will be also missed by Beverly’s children, Barton, Beverly and Derek, and their families.

Always a devoted Catholic, he undertook further religious education and involvement at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ponte Vedra with characteristic fervor. There he served in multiple positions including as President of the Parish Council and was involved in the creation of Palmer Catholic Academy.  He and Beverly particularly enjoyed their involvement with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - a program orienting and welcoming new Catholics.

Bill had a lively sense of humor, was an avid reader, and an empathic listener until the moment of his passing. He began a current events discussion group at Sawgrass, and with Beverly, enjoyed the theatre, concerts, athletic events and, most of all, their families. Bill was an avid golfer and long-time member at Sawgrass CC and had great golf buddies.  He was a devoted fan of Rutgers sports and the Jaguars, despite their respective records.  He was a wise mentor for his family and confidant to his many friends.  His passing is a great loss to us all.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11 AM Monday October 24, at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Scholarship Fund of Palmer Catholic Academy of Our Lady Star of the Sea would be welcome.