Charles "Skip" Colton II

Charles Louie Colton II, "Skip", W1FTE, loving husband of Nancy Benson Colton for 62 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25,2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 27, 1939, in Hartford CT, son of the late Charles Marte and Katherine Kelsey Colton. He was raised in Windsor and graduated from Windsor High School in 1958. After He graduated from Nichols College and Travelers Insurance School, he joined his father and Grandfather in the insurance business. He retired as President of the Charles D. Colton & Sons Insurance Company in Windsor Locks, CT after 40 years.

Charlie was an avid Ham Radio operator since 1955 and spent many hours talking to others around the world. He volunteered at the American Radio Relay League in Newington, CT for many years giving tours and working the League Radios. He loved setting up new "hams" with radios, equipment, and mentoring them. He was a member of the Bloomfield Ham Radio Club. Charlie was a Tour Guide at the Windsor Antique Radio Museum and loved meeting new people and sharing treasures of the past.

Charlie worked part time at The Bushnell Theater in Hartford for 30 years as a Floor Director. He loved working with the volunteers and training new floor directors. He enjoyed meeting new people and helping them enjoy their experience at the theater.

Besides his wife, Nancy, he is survived by two children, Scott Benson and wife, Kelly Colton of Ayer, MA, and Laura Colton Wassick of Granby; five beloved Granddaughters, Carolyn and Brynne Colton, Emily Wassick Rice and husband Will, Megan and Allison Wassick; sister Lucretia Tyler and husband Paul Calabrese of Newington, CT; sister-in-law Marjorie Colton of Lakeland, FL and nieces Sarah and Kerry as well as nephew Cyrus Tyler. He was predeceased by both parents and brother Raymond C Colton.

A Visitation has been planned for Sunday, February 1, 2026, 12:00PM-2:00PM, with a Memorial Service beginning at 2pm. Services will be held at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook Street, Granby CT 06035. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donation to The Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut

115 Pierson Lane, Windsor CT 06095. Burial services will be held at a later date.