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Richard Franklin Colburn
Richard Franklin Colburn
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Richard Colburn Obituary
Richard Franklin Colburn, 75, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away on October 26, 2024, at home from natural causes. He was a loving husband, son, devoted father, stepfather, grandfather, and brother.
Richard was born on September 23, 1949, in Clinton, MA, to Frances Cataldi Colburn and Eugene Richard Colburn.
He attended St. John's Preparatory School in Shrewsbury, MA, and went on to graduate from the University of Maine with a BA in Education. A lifelong music enthusiast, Richard had a deep passion for cars, particularly BMWs and Alfa Romeos. He spent his career working in high-end audio and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including fine wine, pizza, and coffee.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Mary Colburn.
He is survived by his wife, Angela Awe Colburn; his son, Jonathan Colburn (Renee) of California; three grandchildren, Kai, Braxton, and McKenzie; two stepdaughters, LaShonta Golden Armstrong (Jermaine) and LaTonya Golden, both of Vancouver, WA; his father, Eugene Colburn of Clinton, MA; and three sisters, Christine Curran (Paul) of Phillipston, MA; Sarah Cormier of Worcester, MA; and Jane DiMeco (Rocco) of Holden, MA. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends who will dearly miss him and keep him in their hearts forever.
The family of Richard Colburn would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shown us how much Richard was loved. We sincerely appreciate every kind word, prayer, call, and visit.
Again, thank you, and may God be with you all.
Richard: We little knew that morning God was going to call your name. In life, we loved you dearly, and in death, we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you; you did not go alone, for part of us went with you that day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories; your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave King
February 2, 2025
So sorry to hear of Richard´s passing. I knew Richard as a customer of Total Wine where I work. I almost got into trouble several times talking to him to long about speakers or music. I hadn´t seen him for several months and grew concerned. My worst fears came true. He was a great guy and will be missed by his many friends at Total Wine.
Ernie Meunier
December 19, 2024
After initial run-ins with Richard around Boston in the early days, I became very reacquainted with Richard two years ago when he repped for FIDELIS. We became fast friends at audio shows, sharing our passions inc automobilia. He was a quick supporter of my startup's audio products, offering much feedback and encouragement. Our last conversation just before his passing was interrupted when he said he had "to go pee". Love ya, brother....
Danny Piermarini
November 18, 2024
Danny Piermarini
November 18, 2024
Rich was like a brother to me. We played together almost every day of our young lives. The picture shows Rich at 2 and me at 3 years old. We played sports, hunted, fished and hiked all over surrounding Worcester county. We were altar boys and boy scouts together. Picture of Rich surrounded by the "Acre Boys" at the Memorial Day parade. We swam the boy scout mile swim together and rode our bikes to Leominster and back in the sixth grade. Much to the chagrin of our mothers Fran and Ida. We built model airplanes and cars and he won best built custom car 2 years in a row in the yearly Zolls' hobby shop contest. We dried corn silk and rolled it in notebook paper to smoke. He helped me on my paper route and we shoveled snow together. Rode to St. Johns High and thumbed home together. We even double dated a couple of times. I could go on....... It was like this until after high school when we went our separate ways. Many thanks to Jay Moia who got us reconnected a few years back. We finally met again in San Diego and kept in touch. I called him once a week the last three months and tried to cheer him up by recounting stories from our past. I did make him laugh when we remembered the time he showed up to play hockey with a brand new pair of figure skates. Everyone thought it was funny until he beat us all down the ice running on tip toes. Near the end we obviously came to the conclusion that he was going to take a lot of me with him and I told him that a lot of him would stay with me forever.
Requiescat in pace old friend.
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Ken Kessler
November 15, 2024
It's hard to describe the loss of a friend of over 50 years. Richard, I owe you so much, for the memories from UMO, to all of those dinners at shows and for the great music to which you introduced me. I miss you, brother.
Tom Bissonette
November 15, 2024
Tom Bissonette
November 13, 2024
Larry Woodcome
November 11, 2024
Richard was a near and dear friend that began at the age of 15. We experienced many things together in those coming of age years. We would reach out to each other in times of need. This was a special sense between us that we knew and cherished. Our common interests of automobiles, wine, coffee and music kept this bond strong over the years. And yes, it was I that introduced him to Italian automobiles - especially Alfa's. My heartfelt condolences to the Colburn extended family. Larry Woodcome
Kevin Mack
November 11, 2024
I will never forget meeting Richard when I was just 14 yrs. old. Both loving music we became immediate friends. When I was 16, Richard, myself, my cousin and two other friends formed a band. Richard sang and played harmonica. We were just kids having so much fun. We hung out together for several yrs until he moved out West. Man, will I miss he humor, intelligence, music enthusiast and most of all his friendship. Love you, Richard. RIP
Jay Moia
November 11, 2024
My best friend, I'm so happy he reconnected with me when we both lied in California. I cherish the memories thanksgiving dinners, concerts in the LA area, the Planes of Fame airshows, and our yearly trips to Monterey for the Monterey Historics races. Jon , Angela and Gene my deepest sympathies
Jackie Fitzgerald
November 10, 2024
You are the only boy cousin amongst a bunch of girls. He took was always so grown up. He will be missed
Kathleen
November 10, 2024
Richard was a good human being. Kind, funny and sincere. My heart goes out to his family. Jon, I see so much of his goodness in you.
Kerry Blessing
November 10, 2024
Richard was a treasured business associate and will be missed. I send my condolences to his friends and family.
christine a curran
November 10, 2024
I am grieving the loss of my brother. He will be forever in my heart.I have so many memories of our childhood, and I admired his intelligence, interests and his ability to see humor in all situations. Rock on my brother, Love Chris and Paul.
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