Jose C. Colon, Sr, a long time Buffalo resident, rail road worker and migrant worker organizer in Buffalo’s Puerto Rican community, entered into rest July 30, 2018. at the age of 106. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. Near Eggert/Sheridan Dr. on Wednesday from 2-8 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church 345 Seventh, Buffalo on Thursday morning at 10AM.

Jose C. Colon, Sr. was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico and migrated to Western New York in 1952. Jose completed formal education in Puerto Rico.  Jose enjoyed a long career at the New York Central Rail Road and was very active in the migrant community and with farm workers.  Jose, dedicated much of his early years in Buffalo to helping migrant families finds jobs and navigating the Operation Bootstrap Program. Throughout his lifetime, Jose, helped hundred of families settle in Buffalo and often opened his home as resting stop in there journey toward the American Dream.

Jose, early on, help in organizing for the Annual Grease Pole Festival, which today, is one of the oldest and longest running festivals in Buffalo.

As the father of 15 children, Jose, was truly a family man. He is survived by his 15 children and dozens of grandchildren and great grand children.