LITTLE RIVER SC – Ismael C. Colon, 90, formerly of Dannemora and Plattsburgh. We lost an awesome man, on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 after a brief illness.

Ismael (referred to as Ish most of his adult life) was born to Pedro Colon and Ramona Colon Matias on the family farm in Lares, a mountainous area of central Puerto Rico. His actual birth date was August 8, 1931, however his birth was not recorded in a timely manner and his official birthday became December 28, 1931.

Upon finishing school in Puerto Rico, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving primarily in the Panama Canal. Following his honorable discharge, he returned briefly to Puerto Rico, then moved to New York City. After eighteen months and deciding the big city life was not for him, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served in Texas, Alabama, Long Island, Alaska (attending the University of Alaska) and lastly Plattsburgh.

It was in Plattsburgh he met and married Barbara Moses. Upon his honorable discharge, they bought their first home in Dannemora, where he began a 34 plus years career with the New York State Department of Corrections. While living in Dannemora, they welcomed Christopher (Chris) and Margaret (Meg) into the family. Always having a strong work ethic, Ish supplemented the family income by house painting, and a 30-year relationship with Forrence Orchards in Peru, as an apple picker and Spanish translator.

While in corrections he was assigned to Dannemora (twice), Watertown, central office in Albany, Altona (twice) and Lyon Mountain. Having worked his way up through the ranks starting as correction officer, he retired as the Superintendent of Altona Correctional Facility.

Ish always enjoyed the outdoors. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, hiking and mountain climbing. After retiring at age 64, Ish completed the Appalachian Trail, became an Adirondack 46er, hiked NYS from west to east, the Camino de Santiago from France to Spain and the Inca Trail in Peru, South America.

Ish was a member of St. Peter's Church, the Knights of Columbus and a 47-year member of the Plattsburgh Lions Club. He was especially proud of being awarded the Melvin Jones Award.

He was predeceased by his parents, Pedro Colon and Ramona Colon Matias, sisters Maria Leonor Colon and Luz Virginia Colon, and his wife Barbara, who passed just two weeks before their 50 ^th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his son Chris and companion Tricia Begor, daughter Meg (Greg) Rush, three grandchildren, one great grandchild, brother Jose (Joe) Acevedo, and several nieces and nephews.

Also surviving is Dot Todd to whom he proposed that they spend their waning years together. They traveled extensively, finally settling in Little River, S.C. They were a good fit! Dot's daughter Laura (John) Springer, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren also survive.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home with funeral to follow at 12:00 noon in the Funeral Home Chapel.

Ish will be laid to rest with his wife Barbara in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

Donations may be made to the Plattsburgh Lions Club.

You may share a photo, story, or condolence with the family by visiting

www.rwwalkerfh.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.