Joseph Raymond Kolb

Joseph R. Kolb, Jr., died Friday June 15, 2012 at the Mt. Ridge Center in Franklin NH after declining health from brain cancer diagnosed in 2011. He was born in NYC July 5, 1936 to Joseph and Ethel Kolb. He lived in White Plains and South Salem NY and graduated from Katonah High School in 1954. Joe attended Rutgers University on a swimming scholarship and graduated from Westchester Community College with an Associate's Degree in Architecture. He joined his father's general contracting company, Joseph R. Kolb, Inc. a complete building, repairing and painting business known for their custom work throughout Westchester County, NY. As time passed, he took on more of the business responsibilities. Then in 1977 he and his wife Nancy made a lifestyle change by moving to Rumney, NH. Joe designed and built the Rumney Animal Hospital for friend Nick Schatzle, a veterinarian who moved to NH at the same time. Joe then renovated and opened what became Rumney Pine Furniture. He created hundreds of custom built pieces of furniture in a variety of woods. In addition to the Shaker style drop-leaf tables, trestle tables and benches he made the ever popular pine coffee table in the shape of the state of New Hampshire. He and his wife Nancy expanded into quilting fabrics, creating the Calico Cupboard addition to the business. In 1984 they brought in knitting yarns. They offered quilting and knitting classes and were known throughout the area for the quality of their fabrics, yarns, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the shop. They often joked they were doing their best to keep New Hampshire warm.

After almost 30 years in business, Joe and Nancy decided to retire and closed the shop in 2006. They enjoyed a wonderful trip to Alaska before returning to Rumney to enjoy golfing and time spent with their family and friends at their camp on Stinson Lake.

Joe is survived by his wife Nancy of 37 years; sister Janet and husband Henry Rapp; son Dr. Joseph R. Kolb, III and wife BJ; daughters Donna and husband Ed Shores; Suzy and husband Dennis Jarosz; Betsy and husband Marc Knox; Carolyn Thompson; Judy and husband Jim Batchelder; Susan and husband Mark Gregoritsch; nephew Dr. Henry Rapp, III and thirteen grandchildren for whom he was "the best Pop ever"!

The family with be receiving condolences Sunday, June 24th at 1:30 PM at the Rumney Baptist Church before a memorial service at 2:30 PM. This will be followed by the interment at the Rumney Cemetery on Quincy Road.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pemi-Baker Community Health or the American Cancer Society.