Name: Celebration of Life for Neal Daniel Colby Jr.
Start: 2019-01-05T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-01-05T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Tighe Hall at Visitation Church

Neal Daniel Colby, Jr. 1941-2018 After a lifetime of taking care of his family and his community, Neal Daniel Colby, Jr. died at home on Thursday, December 27, 2018. Neal was born in Milwaukee, WI on January 7, 1941, the eldest child of Neal Daniel and Mary Charlotte (n‚e Allen) Colby. He graduated from St. Benedict's College with a degree in History followed by an advanced degree in social welfare from the University of Kansas. Neal served 40 years at Catholic Charities, 25 years as director. His long tenure was notable for its impressive expansion of services and advocacy initiatives to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable. Neal touched countless people from his early work facilitating adoptions, counseling troubled youth and helping resettle refugees. Later in his career, as Executive Director of Catholic Charities, he left a legacy of affordable housing for the poor, elderly and disabled. He brought attention to the emerging AIDS crisis, helped initiate the Mayor's Task Force on AIDS and the formation of the AIDS Council. This work led to the establishment of the SAVE home, the first hospice house in Missouri dedicated to serving those with HIV/AIDS. His collaboration with others established the Missouri Adoption and Foster Care Coalition. He was instrumental in pressing for state laws for open adoptions and improved health care for the medically underserved. His pioneering work in home health care created a system that allowed the elderly to age in place with the people and places they loved. The list of his good work could go on but suffice to say he lived his life for others, most of whom he never knew and left the world a better place. Neal enjoyed sailing, hunting, golf, and coaching his boys in a variety of sports. He was an avid dog lover and dedicated to the care of his immediate and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, his sister Charlotte, and this past October by his father who was 103. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Bernice (Bernie) Colby, his sons Shawn (Alena), Brian (Soodie) and Kevin along with grandchildren Sofia and his namesake, Danny. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Papin and Joan Williams, and many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Neal's wishes, there will be a brief memorial followed by a reception. A Celebration of Neal's Life will be held Friday, January 4th at Tighe Hall at Visitation Church, 5141 Main St., from 6 to 8pm. Contributions may be sent to Benedictine College, Atchison, KS. Condolences may be expressed at www.MuehlebachChapel.com.

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Published by Kansas City Star from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Neal Colby

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

38 Entries

Joan Borisenko- Williams

July 30, 2023

I loved u Danny. My friend and a wonderful brother.

I remember the fun my mother had visiting my uncle Dans office.

Chris Papin

January 28, 2019

Uncle Dan brought joy and humor to those around him.

A nice memory of my uncle Dan taking my grandfather Neal, Sr. and my mother, Carol, to see The<br />Colby Car in Mason City, Iowa.<br /><br />

Michael Papin

January 28, 2019

My uncle Dan was kind and always there for my Moher and her family.

It seems like only a moment ago when, Neal was walking his oldest son Shawn down the wedding isle to add to my happiness.

Carol Papin

January 28, 2019

To my brother NEAL DANEL COLBY, JR S Family, Colleagues and Friends,
One of Neals favorite songs As Time Goes By says so much about life. Neals legacy, will be remembered by the impact of his lifes dedicated contributions to his family, his local community and communities across our nation. Through his leadership in Kansas City Missouri and Washington D.C. may we find comfort in remembering Neals accomplishments at work through his intellectual mind, creative abilities, his true goodness of heart and deep caring for the Humanity of all mankind, most especially the underserved. We all have been blessed by his kind, quiet, gentle and humorous ways as he gave so much to others through his visionary gifts and talents. As my saddened heart says a final goodbye to by brother Dan, my faith teaches me he has only slipped away because As Time Goes By we will all reunite being infinitely happier together againFOREVERin Heaven.
The Family of Jerry Michael Papin
Jerry Michal Papin - Carol Lee Colby/Papin - Michael Neal Papin - Christopher Colby Papin

Carol Papin

January 28, 2019

To my brother NEAL DANEL COLBY, JR S Family, Colleagues and Friends,

One of Neal's favorite songs As Time Goes By says so much about life. Neal's legacy, will be remembered by the impact of his life's dedicated contributions to his family, his local community and communities across our nation. Through his leadership in Kansas City Missouri and Washington D.C. may we find comfort in remembering Neal's accomplishments at work through his intellectual mind, creative abilities, his true goodness of heart and deep caring for the Humanity of all mankind, most especially the under served. We all have been blessed by his kind, quiet, gentle and humorous ways as he gave so much to others through his visionary gifts and talents. As my saddened heart says a final goodbye to by brother Dan, my faith teaches me he has only slipped away because As Time Goes By we will all reunite being infinitely happier together againFOREVERin Heaven.

The Family of Jerry Michael Papin: Jerry Michal Papin - Carol Lee Colby/Papin - Michael Neal Papin - Christopher Colby Papin

Patricia Mitchell

January 6, 2019

Remembering that Neal was the first director of the Headstart Program in Kansas City, KS around 1965. I was his head teacher. Extending my heartfelt sympathy, respect, & love and thanking him for his great contribution to the people of this community. With love, Patsy Mitchell

January 6, 2019

My condolences for the loss of Neil. What a good man he was. Prayers are with you.

Darcy McGrath

January 4, 2019

I am truly sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Neal. May our loving Heavenly Father provide you with the comfort and support that you need during this difficult time. Psalms 145:18,19

Susan Ray

January 4, 2019

I was so sorry to read about Neal's passing. I met him early in my nonprofit career and recognized him as a tireless advocate for people who were disadvantaged.

Praying for your comfort at this time,
Susan Ray

January 4, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain you during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2

With sincerest sympathy,
vo

January 4, 2019

Bernie, Shawn, Brian, Kevin & families -

Our prayers go out to you. A truly good man is trumpeted through the open gates of heaven!

God's peace.

Chris and Laura Hodes

Andrea Ritchie - Fihe

January 4, 2019

Mrs. Colby and Colby Boys, May memories and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Hugs.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Frank Rieger

January 3, 2019

Bernie, Shawn, Brian, Kevin & families -

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you on Neal's death. While working with him at Catholic Charities in the late 60's to early 70's, I not only witnessed his desire to help the poorest of the poor, but also to be a trusted leader and friend. I have so many fond memories of Neal, some serious and some funny. He was my hero. I will keep Neal and all of you in my daily prayers.

(Fr.) Gary Christ

January 3, 2019

Kevin -- your dad epitomized what it means to be a Christian gentleman. It was a pleasure knowing him and working with him many years ago at Catholic Charities. Prayerful best wishes to you and your family.

John Pumphrey

January 3, 2019

May Gods grace and your fond memories bring you peace during this time.

Jim VanDyke

January 2, 2019

Bernie and family: Neal was an outstanding Executive Director of Catholic Charities. Both my mother and were lucky enough to work with and witness his compassion for those less fortunate. I can not think of anyone who gave more back to others than Neal. Peggy and my prayers are with all of you and you can feel confident that Neal is in heaven enjoying the rewards he so deeply deserves.

Joan O'Leary

January 2, 2019

Your legacy resides in those you loved so dearly. I guess we're asking you to continue your work of care for others by looking out for your wife, kids, grandkids, family and all whom you have encountered in love. Such energy, Dan, such loving energy.

Barbara & Manny Cano

January 2, 2019

Bernie and family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss of a wonderful and kind man. Our prayers go out to you and your family.

john barker

January 2, 2019

My deepest condolences to you and your family my friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers

Shawn Colby

January 2, 2019

Marty Denzer

January 2, 2019

I got to know Neal through my mother's work on the Catholic Charities newsletter in the 1990s. When I started work at the Catholic Key, he welcomed me to the Diocese and was always friendly and ready to answer questions about the work he was doing as the diocesan director of Social Concerns. He was funny too! My thoughts and prayers are with you Bernie and family.

John Guignon

January 2, 2019

Neal was a wonderful man who dedicated his career to serving others through the church. He was a fantastic supportive father who loved his wife and family very very much. He will be remembered and missed.

Jim Kostoryz

January 2, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Matt Grimes

January 2, 2019

Love and prayers from the Grimes family.

Dorie Muzquiz

January 2, 2019

Kevin, my sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of this great man who did so many wonderful things for the people of Kansas City...your dad. I know you are very proud of him and will miss him terribly. I am always here if you want to talk, share a memory or just sit silently with an old friend. Love, Dorie Muzquiz

Fr. Pat Rush

January 2, 2019

Neal was a man of vision and of great concern for others. He dedicated his life to making this a better world for so many. He created housing for so many in our Diocese, may those many welcome him now to his new home

Robin Good

January 2, 2019

Bernie, My hearfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. When I first started working in parish ministry I met Neal and encountered him many times over my parish years at various diocesan meetings and then coming to STA and working with you met him in more social occasions and learned more of your life and family. Clearly a man who lived the Gospel in word, action and deed in all aspects of his life. In gratitude for his service and the difference he made. Holding you in my heart.

Mike Easterday

January 2, 2019

Dans Ideals , commitment and accomplishments were reasons so many looked up to him as a standard to aim for. There are not many like him around. We are grateful for his life.

Karen Carroll

January 1, 2019

Dan and I graduated from the same high school (Bishop McGuinness) in Oklahoma City the same year, 1959. He and another classmate from high school Jim Murphy found their way to St. Benedicts Mens College in September of that year. In the meantime, I began my college career at Mount St. Scholastica, its sister college for women across town. Having met a group of charming new friends, I introduced them all the day the boys came over to check out the scenery on our side of town. It was rather noticeable that Dan and my friend Bernie Murphy took an immediate interest in each other. They were a great couple for the following four years (both of them beautiful inside and out). Its been wonderful watching them and their family grow and thrive over the next almost 60 years. Dans accomplishments in the arena of social justice have been a continuing source of inspiration for those of us who know what he was about. He was a great man.
Karen Jenkins Carroll (Wallace and Karen Carroll)

Judy Shute

January 1, 2019

I started working at Catholic Charities in about 1983, resigning just one year ago. Working under Neal was an honor. Others always came first with him. He will be greatly missed. A good man is no longer with us. Happy trails, Neal. Judy Shute

Jack Lally

January 1, 2019

Dear Bernie, Shawn, Brian, Kevin and family,

I will keep Neal in my prayers, and I extend my prayers and condolences to all of you.

For 40 years Neal and I had parallel careers ---his at CCKC and mine was CCSt.L. We worked together on projects in Missouri and nationally through CCUSA. We shared not only our professional endeavors but a treasured friendship as well. He was one of the very best people with whom I had the privilege of knowing and working with. He made a lasting contribution to the Church, community, state and nation.

Knowing Neal and enjoying his friendship was for me a great blessing for which
I will be forever grateful. May his soul rest in the peace of Christ Whom he served so well.

Sincerely,
Jack Lally

Tom Wiederholt

January 1, 2019

Neal was, and still is, a man who inspires me and continues to serve as "the face of what a human person should and could be".

I dont recall what Uncle Dan said in this moment but I always appreciated his wise words.

Erin Dorgan

December 31, 2018

Uncle Dan is missed by all especially Katelyn and James. Let us remember the many good times.

Fr. Chuck Tobin

December 31, 2018

Neal was always Dan Colby when we were classmates at St. Benedict's College; he and Bernie, his wife, were always great leaders and a family of great faith. Offered Mass for him today!

Robert Murphy

December 31, 2018

It was an honor to have known Neal. I am lifting you, his family, up in prayer
Msgr.Bob Murphy

cliff cohn

December 31, 2018

Bernie, Shawn, Brian, Kevin, Alena, Soodie, Sofia, Danny...
Please know that while we have been aware of Neil's physical struggles these last several years, now that we know of his passing, there is an emptiness at Yarco and Phoenix Family. Neil's hallmark of caring for those in need is and will be treasured by hundreds of individuals, as his obituary said, most of whom he never knew. His actions and deeds tempered with his steady focus, and quiet mannerisms were filled with goodness, and there is absolutely no question that he made a difference and did leave this world a better place. His memory is a treasure, and personally, I feel fortunate that he and I crossed paths in this lifetime, and that he is in my own movie. Cliff Cohn

Michael Halterman

December 31, 2018

Neal was a great man, husband, father and mentor! He was very instrumental in enhancing the lives of those persons in need many communities, Missouri and our nation. He definitely left a legacy of serving others!

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