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Victor Colombi Obituary
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather left this earth on February 21, 2015. Vic was an amazing man, born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 13, 1947, the third child of Katherine and Victor Colombi. He graduated in June, 1965 from Euclid High School and after a brief attendance at Ohio State University entered the U.S. Marine Corp. During active duty and service in Vietnam he was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Expert medal and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V". Vic retired from the U.S. Marine Corp in November, 1968. On May 26, 1973 Vic and Joan M. Thompson were married in Willoughby, Ohio. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where Vic attended and graduated from the Arizona State University. Vic went on to work for the Washington School District at the Royal Palm Middle School and then Mountain Sky Middle School from which he retired in 2003. Vic dedicated his life to his family and the support of others and is survived by his wife, Joan; son Christopher Colombi, daughter Jamie Colombi Winant (Joel Winant), grand daughter Nadia Colombi (18) and grandson Landon Winant (5 mos.), Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Vic was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Victor Colombi, his brother Clayton Colombi and sister Vivian Colombi Stein. Vic was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him and will be terribly missed in our hearts. A celebration of his life will be held on March 6, 2015, 10:30 am. at the Paradise Valley Methodist Church, 4455 East Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ. 85253 with a full military funeral to follow at 1 pm, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ. 85024. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675
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Memories and Condolences
for Victor Colombi
Lynn Thompson
February 24, 2025
Vic was a fun and great brother n law. We remember him and all of his hearty laughter. Rest in peace dear Vick.
Nancy Palumbo
October 6, 2021
Dear Joan and the Columbi family, Please accept my belated , yet deepest sympathy. Loved Vic. He was a strong and gracious man and will live forever in memory. It was my privilege to have known him. Semper Fi. You are one hell of a Marine, Vic
Rick Subel
March 12, 2015
I remember Vic as a teenager. He was a good friend to all....not a bad bone in his body. From what I read from his former students is this guest book, his legacy will carry on for generations. God Bless his family.
Jo Agee
March 8, 2015
When you are the kind of person who makes people smile when they think about you... you did good.
DeDe Weaver
March 6, 2015
So proud to be part of the Celebration of Life today. I had the pleasure of working with Vic and have very fond memories.
Carl/Chris Biehl
March 6, 2015
Vic was a man of all seasons, of all times, of all walks of life. Vic possessed a wit that cannot be forgotten. He was kind, soulful, articulate , handsome, full of love and gratitude, and a friend. He was a man's man yet
a wonderful husband and father. The Marine Corp taught him lessons of bravery and fortitude, Vic continued to distinguish himself with his courage and composure in combat; throughout life. Vic as Marine Corp hero and legacy is the embodiment of who he was. He paid a price for his heroism but never complained as a civilian. SEMPER FI Vic.
Kevin Kohler / Prosthetist
March 6, 2015
I am sorry for your family's loss and the loss of such a wonderful person. We are left with great memories!!!
Debbie Mastrangelo
March 6, 2015
Thinking of you today. Thoughts and prayers.
Jim Anderson
March 6, 2015
I did not know Vic very well but met him when he played golf with us on Sundays. He was always cheerful and I enjoyed his company.
Cherie Malkoff
March 5, 2015
I had the honor of teaching in the classroom directly across from Mr. Columbi at Mnt. Sky. He was such an amazing teacher, mentor and person. He was respected and loved by his students, their parents and the faculty. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family who he loved so dearly and talked about frequently.
Janovsky Family
March 5, 2015
Amazing warm-hearted GENTLEman who's life was filled with challenges, always soldiering on. Vic's gift of teacher / counselor was of great influence, indelible lessons learned, touching many lives along the way. Jamie, Chris and Family you are in our thoughts. Vic, we salute you...!!!
Jeff Van Wart
March 4, 2015
just thought I would share this. When I got in trouble he made me pick one thousand blades of grass. I couldn't believe it. He counted them. My new punishment was to pick 2000 blades of grass. I didn't mess that one up. He was the one teacher that could actually get through to me. And probably a big factor in my decision to join the military in 1986. rest in peace good sir.
Miriam Holzman-Sharman
March 4, 2015
So great to see so many alums from my days at Royal Palm paying their respects. He was an inspiring teacher and person. RIP Mr. Colombi.
colin day
March 4, 2015
It was an honor and privilege to live next door to Vic Colombi. He was an amazing man, teacher, soldier, and he taught me a lot. He was a big motivator for my own service
Laura Jelen (Winters)
March 4, 2015
Mr Colombi was one of my favorite teachers. My prayers go out to his family.
Laura Jelen (Winters)
March 4, 2015
Mr Columbi was one of my favorite teachers. My prayers go out to his family.
Patrick Vance
March 3, 2015
Such a great teacher! Meh was my favorite! RIP Mr. Colombi!
Mikki (Treon) Davis
March 3, 2015
I remember him as one of the best teachers I've ever had! So lucky to have known him.
Kyle Burris
March 3, 2015
Great memories of Mr. Colombi at Royal Palm Elementary. You were an inspiration to myself and others, RIP.
Michelle Stacknick
March 3, 2015
Mr. Columbi was one of the best teachers I ever had. His stories about his Military experience started my interest in veteran's affairs which let to volunteering with several veterans organizations. Prayers for peace and healing to your family. Rest in Peace Mr. Columbi.
Lori Berman
March 3, 2015
Mr. Colombi is one of the GREAT TEACHERS that students never forget. He taught me so much, not just about History and Government but about being a kind person and having fun. He was always goofing around in class. RIP Mr. Colombi. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
Denis Day
March 3, 2015
Vic was a good neighbor, a good friend and a good man. He left too soon.
Bill Dickey
March 3, 2015
Vic was a good man. He enjoyed life, even given the trials and tribulations he suffered. Always friendly, and always good to his friends. You will be greatly missed Sir
Suzi Isbell
March 3, 2015
Rest in peace .to a great man.
Jeri Rasmussen
March 3, 2015
My heart and prayers go to the Columbi family! You were the best teacher of my life! You'll never ever ever be forgotten. Thank you for your service to our country and to your students. Rest in peace.
Jeri Rasmussen
March 3, 2015
My heart and prayers go to the Columbi family! You were the best teacher of my life! You'll never ever ever be forgotten. Thank you for your service to our country and to your students. Rest in peace.
Scott Malkoff
March 3, 2015
Vic had a gift that few people possess. His smile and warmth made you feel instantly connected. I will miss that impish grin and his amazing personality. A true hero has been lost.
Debra Charchuk-Balzano
March 3, 2015
Mr. Colombi was a great teacher. We always had a good time in his class. He really knew how to make us laugh. My prays go out to his family.
Mark Breidenbach
March 2, 2015
Fond memories of you and your class in 8th grade at Royal Palm... Rest in peace, Semper Fi...
Cole Moon
March 2, 2015
Mr. Columbi your reason why I am who I am today. You were my teacher,counselor,my friend. My hero".
Emily & Nathan Hein
March 2, 2015
Rest in peace Mr. Columbi.
You left a lasting impression on all your former students. ♡
Doug PATTERSON
March 2, 2015
Dear Colombi Family,
Our deepest sympathy in this time of loss.
Every Marine, past and present is an honored part of our family.
Semper Fi,
Doug Patterson
Marine Corps League
Detachment 1296
East Valley Marines
Christine Hurley
March 2, 2015
Victor was such a understanding teacher. I had his social studies class in 7th and 8th grade at Mt.Sky
Vanessa Przecioski
March 2, 2015
Mr. Colombi was one of the best teachers I had at Mountain Sky, he was firm but fair and a funny man. You will be forever missed, he was really nice to people her met, and I always looked forward to his class. RIP Mr. Colombi
Nikki Engels
March 2, 2015
Mr. Colombi, you will be greatly missed Sir.
Rick Hart
March 2, 2015
Mr. Colombi was my 8th grade social studies teacher at Mt. Sky in 85/86. For me, he helped make a miserable year bearable. His class was my favorite and I remember many stories from him vividly. One story I clearly recall is of him talking about life and death and him sharing his thoughts on the matter. Ultimately he said that if we live our lives the best that we can, then somewhere between how we are remembered and how we treat others, is where we can find peace. He probably never knew it, but he played a very large role in my life and I am grateful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Richard Lofgren
March 2, 2015
I had the honor of meeting Vic a couple of times and I was always struck by his sense of humor & love of life. His family was his number one priority and he would readily brag on his grandchildren. He represented the best of our country and I'm a better person because he was put in my path. We will keep the entire Colombi family in our thoughts & prayers.
Semper Fi,
Richard Lofgren
Jasper
March 2, 2015
Mr. Colombi was one hardcore Marine. Semper Fi.
Demetrius Harris
March 1, 2015
RIP Mr colombi...you will be missed and I only have happy and fun memories...thx...
Pete Laugen
March 1, 2015
Such fond memories of a man of true courage, patience, humor, love, dignity and ultimately perseverance. Life did its best to deal Vic challenge after challenge, obstacle after obstacle...things that would have broken lesser men...but they never broke Vic. Vic was as imperfect as any man, but the difference was that he soldiered on better than just about any man...that's why we loved him, and that's why he influenced so many. The imprint of his friendship in all times of life for me and my family, is indelible.
March 1, 2015
Vic was my 8th grade Social Studies teacher his first year teaching at Royal Palm. He was firm, fun, and helpful. Ten years later I began a stretch of a few years substitute teaching. Going to Mountain Sky was always good...because there was Vic... always making order out of the chaos, entertaining the lunch line, and making morning announcements unforgettably fun and creative. And he was not afraid to ask a personal question...he was interested, not nosy. Peace to you Vic.
Eric North
Andrea West
March 1, 2015
Mr. Colombia was amazing! Keeping him and his family in my heart. Such a crazy guy in the best ways.
March 1, 2015
Vic was one of a kind and will be dearly missed and in our hearts forever. He was the most kind, positive and spirited man. His memory will always be with us.
Lovingly, Lynn Thompson
Michael Matanovich
March 1, 2015
He was and excellent teacher. I remember his class over 30 years later like it was yesterday.
Michael Matanovich
March 1, 2015
He was and excellent teacher.
Kevin Weidinger
March 1, 2015
Hands down my favorite teacher of all time. Then as I grew up we reconnected and you met my mother at the VA who knew how much I loved you and so a new positive relationship was born. Our family will mourn your loss and I look forward to seeing you in the future whenever and wherever that may be.
Tara Higdon
March 1, 2015
I have tried to come up with the words to say goodbye to such a important man in my life . For years it was Vic, Joan and I laughing , crying and spending time together when I lost my best friend . Vic and Joan always knew the words to say to me to keep me going when I thought I couldn't go on any longer . Vic you have raised some of the best kids I know, plus a grand daughter that would make anyone proud ... Your grandson only had a few short months with you but when he is old enough I will make sure he knows how good his papa was and you will be etched in his heart forever . You truly were a gift to all of us and will be so missed . You don't have to worry now as you have made a man out of Chris and he will forever make you proud . I love you and will miss you every day of my life . Thank you for that infectious laugh and million dollar smile ! Salute to you
james thompson
March 1, 2015
Words can express my loss. Victor brought love and joy to all of my family, my parents Arthur and June and my Grandparents Evar and Gertrude all loved him. My family, Lynn, Josh and Seth loved him and will miss him. I know that he will be the forever angel of Joan, Jamie, Chris, Nadia, Joel and Landon. He will be in our hearts forever. We love you old man......
Jim Thompson
March 1, 2015
Words can not express my loss with Victor leaving us. He was one of the best and brought joy, love and happiness to my family....all of my family; my sister Joan, my parents June and Arthur, my grandparents Gertrude and Evar Gustafson. They all loved and admired him for himself and his accomplishments. My own family, Lynn, sons Josh and Seth all loved Victor. Our unconditional love will follow him and he will be with us in our hearts forever. May Joan, Christopher, Jamie, Nadia, Joel, Landon all that loved him be blessed and I know that he will be their angel, guiding and loving them as he always has through eternity.....Aloha my dear brother !
Charri Strong
March 1, 2015
All my love thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Colombi family. I taught with Vic for 20 years..the staff and students alike loved him. Chris I enjoyed having you in my Science class. I always expected the unexpected from you.lol I'm so glad.that.I was able to reconnect with your Dad.and you the last few months. Victor was a gracious caring and sensitive man especially when it came to his family. May God take special care of your beloved Dad and may God be with each of you as you go through this time (s) of sadness storytelling doubt laughter and recollections. Xoxo Charri Strong
Claudia Mason
February 28, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Colombi family. So glad we had that time together with Vic and Joan when Chris was visiting Phoenix. There will be a little less laughter in the world with the exit of this special human being.
God Bless and Sincere Sympathy,
Claudia And Chris
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