William Paul Colavita, age 76, passed away on March 26, 2023. He leaves behind three boys at home, his brother, Henry Colavita (Janine), and numerous relatives and friends that will miss him tremendously.  William was born on December 12, 1946, to Henry J. and Eileen (Byrne) Colavita in Newark, NJ. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Frank Colavita.

William graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administrative of Justice. He went on to receive his master's and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Pacific Western University. In 1968 he joined the Fairfax County Police Department until his first retirement in 1987. In 1987, he then joined the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department until he was forced to retire due to an on-the-job injury. In 1993, William became the Drug Training Coordinator for the Department of Criminal Justice in Richmond, VA. William's passion in life was law enforcement and during his career, he earned many prestigious awards including the National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1997. In retirement, William enjoyed lifeguarding at the YMCA, fishing, and entertaining his cat, Roo Roo.

A Memorial Service will be held on April 28, 2023, at 3 pm at Christ Lutheran Church located at 2807 North Augusta Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401. The Reverend Robert McCarty will be presiding. Final Interment of Ashes will be private at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Augusta Regional SPCA, PO Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402.

Thank you for your service William, may you rest in peace.