Peter Joshua Colón

United States Space Force Technical Sergeant Peter Joshua Colón tragically lost his life on March 15, 2022 from service-connected cancer.

Growing up, Colón shared a special bond with his brother, James Alexander, connecting through a mutual love of baseball and superhero movies. Colón had the honor of serving as his brother’s best man at his wedding, a memory that he always cherished. At 27, Colón made the bold decision to pursue a career in the Air Force, dedicating himself to daily workouts and losing over fifty pounds in just three months, surpassing the Air Force’s physical standards. Colón celebrated his 28th birthday in basic training, demonstrating his strength of spirit and and commitment. He joined the U.S. Air Force in February 2009 and later transferred to the U.S. Space Force in February 2021, serving a total of eleven years in the Air Force and over a year in the Space Force.

Throughout his distinguished career, Colón was recognized for his excellence and leadership, earning numerous awards and commendations. Among these were two Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter awards (2018 and 2019), the Information Dominance Award (2012), an Achievement Medal (2013), and Commendation Medals in both 2016 and 2021. He also furthered his education, earning an Associate’s Degree through the Community College of the Air Force, graduating from Airman Leadership School in September 2014, and completing the NCO Academy in February 2018. Yet, Colón was never one to boast about his accomplishments; his true pride lay in performing his duties with integrity, giving his best in every task, and continually growing as a devoted husband and father.

Colón’s impact extended far beyond his official duties. His commanding officer and colleagues remember him as the person everyone could turn to for honest guidance. He had a unique ability to mentor young officers, helping them develop crucial interpretation skills beyond just following regulations. Beyond his leadership, Colón possessed a remarkable gift for caring for people. He would sense when the stress of a mission was weighing down his team and would lighten the mood with his endless supply of corny jokes. These small gestures made a significant difference, and his team came to depend on those daily laughs. While he contributed to major achievements like facilitating the largest GPS upgrade to date, Colón’s greatest impact was a profound example of compassion and commitment to his team. He ensured every troop received recognition, stayed until everyone finished for the day, and advocated for their time off. He was always there when needed, a steadfast presence for his colleagues.

Colón’s personal life was a beautiful love story. He met his wife, Suzy, at a church youth group when he was sixteen and she was fifteen, quickly becoming best friends. Their bond grew stronger, and at nineteen, they began dating. On October 20, 2002, Colón proposed at Snow White’s Wishing Well in Disneyland—a true fairy-tale moment. A year later, on November 15, 2003, they exchanged vows in an intimate backyard ceremony. Colón often said it was Suzy’s smile that first drew him in, but it was the joy, laughter, and unwavering love they shared that kept them together for over twenty years.

Their life together was full of adventures, including road trips, discovering new places, and living in Germany for six years, where they explored many European sights. They shared a playful rivalry over who had visited more countries. Among their many treasured memories, a simple one stands out: a drive to dinner during a stressful time when they learned Colón might be sick. A small misunderstanding led to a burst of laughter that lasted the entire way to the restaurant. This moment exemplified their relationship—no matter the challenges, they always found joy and laughter in each other’s company.

Colón’s greatest legacy lives on in his two boys, Lincoln and Tucker. He poured his heart into being an amazing, involved dad and a loving husband who always strived for self-improvement. Friends and family remember him for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and his ability to make anyone laugh. His military service was a part of him, but it never defined the entirety of who he was. Colón was brilliant, determined, and full of life. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and strength—a reminder to all to live fully, give freely, and cherish every moment. Most profoundly, his legacy shines through in his boys, who carry his spirit, determination, and heart into the future.

Suzy and their children honor Colón’s memory every day through their lives and the love they share. His boys carry his spirit in everything they do, striving to live by the values he held dear—excellence and integrity. They remember him in family traditions, shared stories, and the small, everyday moments he would have cherished, like talking about movies, comic books, or sharing a joke. By living fully, loving deeply, and striving to be their best, they keep Colón’s spirit, strength, and unwavering principles alive.

United States Space Force Technical Sergeant Peter Joshua Colón is survived by his loving wife, Suzy, and their beautiful children, Lincoln and Tucker.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Colón family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.