Kevin M. Colwell

Guilderland - Kevin Michael Colwell entered into eternal life on February 8th, 2025 after a tragic skiing accident. Kevin was born on March 31, 1971 in Hudson, New York to Michael and Barbara (Jones) Colwell. A longtime resident of Columbia County, Kevin attended Claverack Elementary School and he graduated from Hudson High School in 1989.  Surrounded by a large extended family, Kevin could be found at summer clambakes at Grandpa Colwell’s.

Kevin obtained his BA degree from SUNY Geneseo in 1993. Kevin had a zeal for adventure and the outdoors. An expert skier, which began at his days instructing at Catamount. He loved traveling to new places like the Wapta Traverse in BC Canada, Argentina, Tuckerman’s Ravine and anywhere in the western U.S.- the cruel irony. Kevin loved to hike with his family and camp with his kids on their scouting outings. Kevin rediscovered his love of tennis in the past couple of years and could be found at Tri-City Fitness during his lunch breaks perfecting his skills. When he wasn’t on the tennis courts with family or friends, he was on the paddle tennis courts at Albany Country club. He was invigorated by the sport and enjoyed the fierce but friendly competition. Whether on the courts or on the golf course, Kevin fostered wonderful friendships at Albany Country Club where his family were members for the last decade. Kevin’s spirit was renewed every time he was outdoors and his joy and laughter was infectious.

After graduating from college, Kevin took a year off to travel across the country to work in Lake Tahoe as a lift operator at Heavenly Ski Resort. He cherished his time out west but decided that law school was his calling. He applied to University of Dayton School of Law, from where he graduated in 1997. A promising attorney with high intellect and calm demeanor, Kevin served the people of Columbia County as a public defender and attorney for the Department of Social Services. He learned the ropes of litigation from some of the best and always admired them as his mentors. After a brief stint working on his own, Kevin joined the law firm of Roland, Fogel, Koblenz and Petroccione until 2005. It was then that Kevin took a leap of faith and formed a new firm which is now known as the Colwell Law Group. In addition to his legal career, he was actively involved in local politics even running for Hudson City Court Judge in 2006. He served the City of Hudson as city attorney for many years.

Kevin met his wife Mary on the best blind date ever. The two were engaged after only 4 months and married a year later. Kevin introduced Mary to his love of the outdoors, taking her hiking and teaching her to ski at the age of 30. Mary introduced Kevin to her love of travel and Italian traditions. Kevin became the most Italian Irishman you will ever meet, mastering the art of making wine and limoncello. It was after an overnight camping trip to the Catskills that Kevin knew that Mary was the one he wanted to spend his life with. It was the road trip that led to a life full of adventures.

Kevin leaves behind three beloved sons, Liam (15), Luke (12), and George (8). They were his whole world and in their short time together, they learned so much from their father. Most importantly, they learned from him their love for family and God. He passed on to his boys his love of skiing, the outdoors and baseball. The boys attend St. Pius School and Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) where he was active in both communities. Kevin could be found at all of their school and sporting events from class trips, recitals and concerts to ski races, Tae Kwan Do classes and football games at CBA. A devoted father and husband, Kevin’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Kevin is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Mary (Pasqualino), their children Liam, Luke and George; his parents Michael and Barbara (Jones), his sister Karen Grandinetti (Daniel), brother Michael, in-laws Tony and Maria (Sainato) Pasqualino, brother-in-law Vince Pasqualino (Laurie), Frank Pasqualino (Krista), nieces and nephews Megan, Michael and Maya Grandinetti; Joshua, Marcus, Mason and Olivia Pasqualino; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Kevin’s legacy lives on in the law firm he built with his wife, Mary. Building fearlessly evolved families were his vision, helping thousands across the state each year with his bright intellect, quick wit and brilliant sense of humor. His infectious smile and brilliant blue eyes were admired by all who met him. He put his mark on those who worked with him and the legal community at large. He was an esteemed award-winning attorney, earning the highest recognition among the bench, bar and community.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Kevin’s family on Friday from 3 to 7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  In keeping with Kevin’s devotion to his children and underprivileged youngsters abroad, please consider memorial contributions to the NYS 529 education accounts @ www.ugift529.com for Liam-code Z4X-F59, Luke-code G02-D3N and George -code 61F-B7G; or Compassion International (www.compassion.com). To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com

There is nothing Kevin couldn’t do- the sky was the limit. We will continue to honor our hero in everything we do from this day forward.