Nicholas Joseph Colatrella, an 83-year-old man from Gilbert, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 30, 2020. He was born on January 15, 1937, in Newark, NJ, and was a retired truck driver who had also served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Nicholas was a dedicated family man, survived by his two sons, a daughter, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The circumstances surrounding Nicholas's death were tragic and involved his son, Rick Colatrella, who was charged with his father's shooting death. According to court documents, Rick Colatrella, 49, shot his father at their home in Chestnuthill Township, Gilbert, PA. When police arrived, Rick reportedly admitted to the shooting, claiming he had shot his father because it "had to be done". He was arrested on the scene and charged with criminal homicide.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Nicholas died from gunshots to the face and head.
Rick Colatrella was later sentenced to 15-40 years in state prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder. The court proceedings highlighted that Rick had a lifelong disability due to low intellectual functioning, but he was determined to be able to stand trial. The judge ordered Rick to undergo psychological and psychiatric evaluations and attend anger management counseling.
The case was described as "very troubling" by the judge, and it was noted that appropriate mental health services could have potentially prevented the escalation of tensions that led to the murder. Rick Colatrella's defense argued that he feared his father was suffering from dementia, which contributed to his actions.
In summary, Nicholas Joseph Colatrella's death was a result of a shooting by his son, Rick Colatrella, who was later convicted of third-degree murder and sentenced to prison. The case underscored the importance of mental health support and intervention in preventing such tragic events.
