Ralph E. Colbert, Jr.
October 12, 1937 - August 19, 2024
Ralph E. Colbert, Jr., passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the age of 86. He took great pride in his family and watching his children and grandchildren grow and find success and happiness in their lives, careers, and families, and in the incredible joy of great grandchildren. In his words, the best thing he could have ever done was to marry Patricia “Patsy” (Hall) Colbert, with whom he was blessed with 59 years of marriage before she passed, and whom he described as “his best friend, companion, and inspiration.”
He was born on October 12, 1937, in Uniontown, PA, eventually moving to Bloomsburg, PA, then on to Newark, Delaware, where his father’s career took them when he was 15. After meeting Patsy in high school, and marrying soon after high school, a wonderful life unfolded with four beautiful children and their families, Richard “Rick” A. Colbert (deceased) (Cathy), Deborah “Debi” C. Thomas (Jeff), A. Tab Colbert (Beth) and Sharon C. Whetham (Kevin), and many great adventures, including 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Ralph was so grateful for a lifetime of friendships and memories created with his wife Patsy, classmates, “The Harmony Hills Gang”, friends made during their winters in Florida, and through his sports and drag racing activities over the years. He was so thankful for those relationships and how they brought great joy and sustained him throughout his life. He loved to share the great stories and experiences that grew from these friendships and work-related activities through his career at Diamond State Telephone. He took great joy from his years managing Newark Babe Ruth Baseball, positively impacting kids’ lives, and especially the opportunity to represent Delaware in the 1976 Babe Ruth World Series in Pueblo, Colorado, where he managed a special group of 14–15-year-old All Stars to fourth in the nation.
His legacy is simple, but rich, and lies in those relationships and what he was able to pass along in the lives he touched along the way.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 12 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063 or online by clicking here.
Vern D Seward
My deepest sympathy to the Colbert family. I worked with Ralph for several years at Diamond State Telco. He was a wonderful man who reminded me much of my own father who I lost recently. I enjoyed talking about sports and life in general with Ralph. He was genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever known and I will miss him. Take comfort in knowing that he touched many lives in a positive way.
Heidi Satterfield
Blessings to the Colbert family. Sending love ❤️
Ray and Elen Porter
To the Thomas family,
Our hearts are with you! He was so very special and so kind! Love you all!
Ray and Elen Porter
Mike Sweeney
Debi, I was saddened to hear about the recent passing of your father. Though I never did meet him he seemed to have been a one of a kind very special person. My condolences go out to you and the rest of the Colbert and Thomas families.
Alan Williams
Sharon and Kevin,
Sorry for your loss. Sounds like your Dad/Father In Law was a very interesting and fun loving man.
Alan
Denise Corrado
Hi Kevin and Sharon, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Father in law/Father seems to have lived a full and beautiful life! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!
Denise Corrado
Jack Markell
So sorry to learn of Ralph’s death. I remember him well from Babe Ruth baseball. A great coach on and off the field. To Sharon and Tab and the whole family, my deepest condolences.
Stephen Goss
Tab
I am very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great influence on my brother and myself although he had to work hard on me. He also was a great friend to my father who enjoyed golfing and coaching with him. I will always remember him.
Bill Kisner
My sincere condolences to the Colbert extended family for the loss of Mr. Colbert. He was a true gentleman and family man. I was honored to play for him on the 1976 World Series team.
Susan Walker Hill
Tab and Family:
Condolences on the loss of your father. He was my mother, Elaine Colbert Walker’s cousin. I can remember lots of stories my mother would tell us of her family which included your dad. We have just lost our dad, George Walker, on August 26. Sad times for both our families.
Susan Walker Hill(we went to UD)