Raymond L. Colbert

Raymond L. Colbert

June 19, 1927 – November 25, 2021

Preceded in death by wife, Ann Colbert.  Survived by children: Kathleen Kuper, Gloria Setlak, Sandy Dougherty (Pat), Suzanne Wheeler (Dennis), Raymond Colbert, Jr., and Robert Colbert (Kimberly); sixteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Colbert (Sandra).

VISITATION: Thursday, Dec. 2nd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, Dec. 3rd at 10am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific.  Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery with military honors.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service, Mass, and Graveside Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Raymond Lawrence Colbert was born on June 19, 1927, in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was five years old when he and his three older siblings were taken to an orphanage.  Raymond remembers crying and being given two coins to comfort him.

The first time he ran away, he was almost thirteen.  Raymond was injured when he jumped off a bridge to avoid an oncoming train.  The police returned him to the orphanage.

Raymond ran away again when he was only seventeen to join the Coast Guard during World War II.  He lied about his age and served from November 27, 1944, until April 6, 1946.

Raymond reconnected with his mom and siblings after the war and maintained close contact with them.  He eventually moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend refrigeration school.

On March 26, 1950, Raymond attended a dance at the Music Box where he met his future wife, Ann Bonacci.  They married on November 25, 1950.  The rest is history — six children, sixteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.  Dad loved his large family.  He especially loved his new name that his first grandchild, Laura, gave him – “Pompa.”

Dad could do anything he set his mind to.  He was an amazing artist. His drawing of Mom and their first child, Kathy, is breathtaking.  He completely renovated the family home.  He worked at Union Pacific Railroad, Szabo Food Service, Prudential Insurance, and John Barone Security.  He loved helping people and he loved singing, especially at church.

Dad passed away on November 25, 2021, and joined Mom.  This would have been their 71st wedding anniversary.

Thank you, Dad.  We love you and miss you, but we’re so happy for you and Mom.

 

 

 

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