SOUTHPORT — William Charles Colburn, 88, formerly of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Mr. Colburn was born June 18, 1929, in Englewood, N.J., the son of the late Thomas and Florence Colburn.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. In 1962, he decided to move his family from the Bronx, N.Y., to Winter Park, Fla., making Florida their home for the next 55 years.
While he was working full time, he attended night school and graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education. He worked for years as the payroll director with Orange County Schools. Bill loved his family, and loving cared for his wife of 66 years and childhood sweetheart, Marie, for many years as she suffered with a long-term illness.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and most recently, Sacred Heart Church, Southport, N.C. He was a lifelong member of the National Exchange Club and the American Legion and was proud of his country and military service. With some prodding, Bill would recount his memories of the Berlin AirLift and the sorrow of World War II.
Survivors include his two sons, Dr. Scott Colburn, and his wife, Ann Bobeck, of St. James, and Craig Colburn, and his wife, Jeannie Colburn, of Ponce Inlet, Fla.; sister, Nancy Quante of White Plains, N.Y.; and five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. Colburn was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Boese Colburn; and grandson, Ryan Scott Colburn.
A joint funeral Mass for Mr. and Mrs. Colburn will be held at noon, Friday, Jan 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport. Interment will be held in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Spina Bifida Association.
Share online condolences with the family at peacocknewnamwhite.com.
