Name: Visitation for EDWARD J. COLBERT
Start: 2016-09-09T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-09T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home

COLBERT, Edward J. Of Topsfield, age 58, Sept. 1st, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family following a year-long battle with cancer. He faced his illness as he lived his life: with an indomitable spirit and an unfailingly positive attitude. Edward always said he was the luckiest man in the world because he was blessed with such a supportive and loving family. His family will say they were blessed with the model of a man who lived his life to the fullest. He is survived by his daughter, Michaela (Shayla) Whitney Colbert of Boston, his sons, Andrew (Andre) N. Colbert of Boston, Matthew (Mattieu) Edward Colbert of Topsfield & Kenneth (Kenny K) Karas of N. Y., N. Y., his father, Edward M. Colbert and his partner Beverly Simpson of Marblehead, his brothers, Michael Colbert of France, Stephen Colbert & his wife Bethany of Manchester, John Colbert & his wife Luann of Norwood & Joseph Colbert & his wife Jean of Carlisle, his nieces & nephews, Stephanie, Michael, James, Tate, Kelsey, Keith, Kimberly and Jennifer & many extended family & friends. His funeral service will be held in the Congregational Church of Topsfield, East Common St., Topsfield, Saturday, Sept. 10th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) DANVERS, Friday, Sept 9th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Edward's memory to the Swim Across America, 30 Bullard Street, Suite 100, Walpole, MA, 02081 or to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport, P.O. Box 139, Killington, VT., 05751. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com O'Donnell Funeral, Cremation & Memorial Service Danvers & Salem 978-774-6600

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Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 7 to Sep. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD COLBERT

26 Entries

Ann Angelli

September 3, 2019

We think of Eddie and all of the Colbert family often. You are always in our prayers.

Love to all

Bill and Ann
September 2019

Joyce Arthur

November 2, 2016

I am so very sad as I am learning of Eddie's passing just now. We went through school together and graduated CCHS together. He was my friend. As I remember Eddie I think of uncommon kindness and maturity for a young man. Some people just stay in your heart and memory as just really good people. Eddie is one of them.
I am truly sorry to all of his family in the loss of this special man.
My life was enriched by knowing him :)

Jennifer Brehob

September 18, 2016

Dear Ed,

I have been teaching all my swimmers this session at the Northshore YMCA extra carefully this session in your memory.

I was so sorry to read that that nasty disease got you. I will always have your enjoyment of the funnest sport of swimming at heart when I coach, teach, or swim.

The last time I saw you was at the Ipswich Y for Masters practice when everyone was leaving to go take their kids to school and you were one of the gang.

Thanks for being there on my first One Hour Swim and all the best to your family in the years to come!

Jen

Loretta Filipov

September 12, 2016

Dear Colbert family,

I am sorry that the Filipov family could not be with you and we all know how saddened you are to lose a bright light in your family. I remember Ed as a good friend, great athlete, magnificent Dad and a young man who loved life.

We will all miss his smile and energy. Our prayers and love are with you in these days and forever.

Loretta Filipov

Jim King

September 11, 2016

Ed Sr. and the entire Colbert family,

Dear Ed, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your son. I can't even imagine how difficult this is for you.

To the Colbert family, my condolences on the loss of your father, brother and friend.

It is always tragic and painful when one is taken from those that love them far too soon. Hopefully with time, the warmth of the memories you created together will help fill the empty space now in your lives.

You are in our thoughts and prayers

Jim King

Nancy Simonds McGrath

September 11, 2016

Eddie was my beloved brother-in-law! He was always kind, always looking out for everyone, always my friend! Our families and children feasted on lobster together, water-skied, laughed a lot and loved each other dearly. I will cherish my memories of his happy smile and his boundless energy and enthusiasm! Nancy

Chuck Martin

September 10, 2016

So thankful that I had the fortune of knowing you and competing on the same team with you at U Maine. I pray for your family. You will be missed so much my friend.

Keith Perkins

September 10, 2016

A UMO college buddy.
A great friend at my wedding 32 years ago.
A fellow Pingree parent.
Reconnected recently at the YMCA.
A truly great guy like Eddie always stays a good friend even if we didn't always stay in close touch. Vivid memories live on.

doug korell

September 10, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Colbert Family at this very sad time in all of your lives. Eddie was a great guy, a born leader and based on what I've read about him, an all around amazing roll model to his family, friends and co-workers. He will be truly missed by all that know him, but his spirit will carry on! Think about him when you have to make a tough decision in your life and the process will get easier thanks to Eddie.

Kathy Slifer

September 9, 2016

Dear family of Ed ,
As a masters swimming team member , I can say Ed was always fun and supportive ,inspiring(his times were great!) and had a warmth of friendship and team spirit that was outstanding. I am so sorry for your loss.I am sorry for the loss our team will feel . His legacy of love and his accomplishments both as an individual and what he gave to others will i am sure be of comfort to you .
Yours in this sad time.
Kathy Slifer

Sabina Petersen

September 9, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ed was one of favorite co-leaders on our trips, Christmas time passing out gifts in Bos, and at
the Salem Mission. He was truly a lovely person to work with!

Jennifer Lussier

September 9, 2016

I am very sorry to hear of Ed's passing and send my condolences to his family and friends.

I also worked with Ed at PictureTel/Polycom. Those were special years of dedicated hard work with a lot of innovative and fun people. I think I just described Ed.

I bumped into him a couple of summers ago at the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead at their Wednesday eve post-race burger and libation event. It was great to catch up with him. He looked exactly the same, upbeat, and was psyched to be racing. He was effervescent!

So sorry to hear the sad news.

Allan Filipov

September 9, 2016

Eddie showed up to support friends. I am sorry I'm not there for my long time friends, the Colbert family. I'll never forget the memories, the teachings and the friendship and how to pass it on!

Ask Ed Sr. about the "broken muffler", one of life's greatest lessons!

Jennifer Luker

September 9, 2016

Ed loved seeing all his swimming buddies at the pool.
His kindness and sense of fun was always front and center.
Thank you, Ed.
Blessings to all who loved him.

Stone Bond @ Ed's

John Capin

September 9, 2016

Ed's overwhelming positivity and love for life is an inspiration. He made everything better - from grilling to picking bluebs to whipping up some dark and stormy's.

We'll miss you, Ed, but are thrilled your spirit will live on through your kids, friends and family!

My big brother Eddie in '76. Thank you Allan Filipov for the photo of this article.

Joseph Colbert

September 9, 2016

Betsey Natale

September 8, 2016

Ed was a wonderful mentor for the youth at the church. He often would go on our mission trips or participate in our service projects. He went with us to New Orleans after Katrina. It was so hot we couldn't stand to shower inside. He and I would "shower" with the outdoor hose, shampooing in a church parking lot. Meanwhile, next door, people in the Burger King drive-through watched us like we were crazy!

No one could carve a turkey like Ed. Every time I worked at the fair, I could tell which turkey's he carved. it was a thing of beauty.

No doubt there is a place in heaven for this man who lived out his faith.

Jerry and I send our condolences and prayers to you all.

Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal.

Alison Barton

September 8, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Colbert Family during this most difficult time. May great memories, family and friends sustain you.
Love, The Barton's: Dan, Alison, Christoher, and Hillary

Stephen Quinn

September 8, 2016

Eddie's passing was a shock. We are so sorry and offer our condolences during this time of sorrow. In time the sadness will fade but the memories will last a lifetime. With sympathy Marilyn, Austin and Steve Quinn

Roger Crummett

September 8, 2016

I am sad to hear of Eddie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Colbert family.

Theresa Costa

September 7, 2016

You are so fondly remembered and will be missed

Susan Sulesky

September 7, 2016

Prayers to the entire Colbert family during this difficult time.

Jon Higgins

September 7, 2016

Cheers to Eddie and the way he lived his life. He was a blessing to many and a great role model. My deepest sympathies to the Colbert family.

Jerry Moss

September 7, 2016

Very saddened to hear of Eddie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Colbert family. Jerry Moss

Jim Idelson

September 7, 2016

I was so, so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. Over many years, I had the opportunity to work with Ed as one of his colleagues in the PictureTel and Polycom family. I remember Ed as a dedicated, conscientious and honorable person. And, his demeanor was always upbeat; it was always a pleasure to work with Ed.

Many condolences and best wishes to all who were close to Ed. May his memory be a blessing.

ANN COLBERT-ANGELLI

September 6, 2016

Colbert Family, Our deepest sympathy on your great loss. Words just do not seen to be enough because "Eddie" was a wonderful man. I will always remember that twinkle in his eyes and that beautiful big smile. He was always the one to make family gatherings so much fun.

Love to all,

Bill and Ann

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