A life well lived.
Earl “Wayne” Colley, a devoted husband, father, veteran, and pillar of the Afton community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, shortly after celebrating his 81st birthday.  
Born on March 18, 1945, in Astoria (Queens), where he lived his early years until enlisting, Wayne proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, demonstrating unwavering dedication, leadership, and courage in defense of his nation.  
His commitment to service extended far beyond his military years, shaping the way he lived each day.  After returning home, he professionally devoted 28 years as a public servant, working for the NYC Department of Education as an Engineer.   
Wayne built a life centered on family and community.  He was a loving husband to his late wife, Kathy, and a proud father. One of his greatest joys was sharing in the passion his daughter, Rachael, had for horses. He often recounted cherished memories of traveling across the country with his family, watching Rachael and her horses grow and succeed in show rings nationwide. Another favorite experience of Wayne’s was having coffee with his nephew, Ian Bilek, moments that he truly treasured and were very special to Ian as well. With a second chance at love, one night at the Hancock House, Wayne met Donna, not knowing she would become his loving and devoted partner for the last 10 years of his life. Out on the farm, where the days stretched long and the nights settled in with the soft hush of peepers in the spring and snow pattering on the ground in winter, they found their rhythm together.
They would sit on the old wooden porch as the sun dipped behind the fields, talking for hours—about where they’d been, the mistakes they’d made, the things that had somehow led them to each other. Sometimes they laughed until their sides hurt; other times, they simply sat in comfortable silence, letting the weight of shared history speak for itself.
Whether tending to his land, caring for his horses, working outdoors, or lending a helping hand, Wayne’s energy and work ethic were nothing short of extraordinary. A dedicated community member, he was actively involved in the Chenango County Republican Committee and served as Vice President of the Joint Landowners Coalition, advocating for the rights and interests of his neighbors.
Wayne’s legacy is one of honor, hard work, and unwavering devotion—to his country, his family, and the life he built with his own hands. He will be remembered for his stories, sense of humor, his strength, and the quiet yet powerful way he touched the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren; his sister, Betty Bilek; his loving and compassionate partner, Donna Wood-Donatelli, nieces and nephews;  and a large extended loving circle of family and friends. His memory will live on in the fields he walked, the horses he cared for, and the family he cherished so deeply. 
A celebration of life will be held on June 28, 2026 at the River Club, 1 Maple St, Afton, NY 13730 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to honor and share memories with friends and family.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Wayne Colley to the Wounded Warrior Project, honoring his service and dedication to his fellow veterans.