Colley Criss Obituary (1949 - 2021) - Port Chester, New York

Colley William Criss was born on June 5, in Port Chester, New York to the late Colley Conrad Criss and Mary B. Spearman Criss of Port Chester, New York. "Criss" as he was primarily known, was educated in Port Chester Public Schools. He transitioned from life to eternity on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Criss graduated from Port Chester High School in June 1968. From an early age, Criss developed, honed, and maintained a love of "all things cars". He won several drag-racing competitions during his early adulthood. His unwavering search for knowledge and impeccable skills in automobile restoration ignited his ability to become a young entrepreneur opening the First Class Auto Body Shop in the early 1980s. Criss worked in the Auto Body field for 25+ years and later sought to expand his interests in real estate investment. He enjoyed listening to music, dancing, attending local car shows, going to his favorite restaurants, and watching shows on MotorTrend. Criss was known to be charismatic, funny, driven, an independent thinker, and self-reliant. He believed in supporting small local businesses and frequently demonstrated this by consistently patronizing local small businesses. Throughout his life, Criss was blessed to establish and maintain several significant loving relationships, of which he was able to generate a remarkable family legacy. Criss leaves to mourn his six children Colley W. Criss III (Demaris) of Shelton, CT; Rosella Criss of Bridgeport, CT; Thomasina "Toni" Criss of Fayetteville, NC; Keshia A. Basden (Allistair) of Louisville, KY, Christopher Young of Albany, NY, and Mary B. Alston (Brian) of Charlotte, NC. He also leaves to mourn one sister, Rev. Dr. Mary Criss-Largie (Patrick) of Hopewell Junction, NY; ex-spouse Mildred Criss of Spring Lake, NC; special partner of 20+ years Cathy S. Barnes of White Plains, NY; two special friends, Theresa Young of Norwalk, CT and Connie Kelly of Raleigh, NC; six grandchildren: Whitney L. Criss, Taylor A. Criss, JohnRyan E. Criss-Saez, Elexis M. Criss, Joia M. Criss and Landon W. Alston; two great-grandchildren Alixander J. Criss-Corriolan, Rosella V. Criss; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. One sister, Lucy E. Johannes, formerly of New Rochelle, NY, preceded him in death. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM, Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 29 Grove Street, Stamford, CT. Family will receive guest from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, 66 Woodland Place, Stamford, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in honor / memory of Colley W. Criss Jr. to National Kidney Foundation. Calling Hours Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Saturday, April 24, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 29 Grove St. Stamford, CT 06901 Funeral Service Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Saturday, April 24, 2021 10:00 AM 29 Grove St. Stamford, CT 06901 Interment Woodland Cemetery Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:30 AM 66 Woodland Place Stamfrod, CT 06902