LEICESTER; John C. Colby, 91, of Rochdale, a section of Leicester, died Tuesday, September 12 at his home after an illness.
He leaves his former spouse and caregiver with whom he lived, Carol L. (Barnes) Colby, three sons; Roland Colby and his wife Arlene of Leicester, Wayne Colby and his wife Linda of Leicester, James Colby and his wife Melissa of Rochdale, two daughters, Christine Colby and her companion Todd Jyringi of Rochdale, June Kennedy and her husband John of Spencer, a brother, Edmond Colby and his companion Toni Teague of Merritt Island, FL., a step-son, Gary Dufries of Leicester, his former daughter-in-law, Diane Colby of Leicester, his best friend and former Navy buddy, Eddie Janek of Galveston, TX and good friend Dave Mero of Leicester, 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Doris (Carpenter) Colby in 1978, his second wife, Evelyn H. (West) Colby in 2001, his son, Daniel Colby in 2013, a brother, Harry Colby and a step-daughter, Sandra Doe Rodominick.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of Ralph & Florence (Forgit) Colby and was a lifelong resident of Rochdale.
John was owner/operator of Colby's Home Bakery in Rochdale for 32 years, retiring in 1988. He later had a part time job at Bondtite (Lincoln Labs). He proudly served his country in the Navy during WW II.
He was a part time Police Officer for the Town of Leicester for 25 years and a former Captain of the Rochdale Auxiliary Fire Department. He was past Post Commander of the VFW Post 7556 in Rochdale and was a service officer at the American Legion Post 205, Rochdale. He was a Committeemen of Troop #115 Boy Scouts of Rochdale, a member of the 250th Anniversary Committee and the Memorial Day Committee of Leicester, member of the Leicester Rod & Gun Club. He was a member of Greenville Baptist Church, Rochdale and was past trustee and commissioner of Greenville Baptist Cemetery.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 A.M. in Greenville Baptist Church, 684 Pleasant St., Rochdale, followed by burial with Military Honors in Greenville Baptist Cemetery, with a Reception immediately following in the Church. There are no calling hours. Please omit flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to the Greenville Baptist Church c/o the General Fund, PO Box 396, Rochdale MA 01542. The MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester are assisting the family with arrangements.