John Edward Colburn Sr.

John Edward Colburn Sr., 97, of Media, PA, passed away peacefully June 20,2025 in Bryn Mawr, PA.
John was born June 2,1928 in Phillipsburg, NJ. He was the son of Walter Colburn and Catherine (Stoudt) Colburn. His family worked hard to survive the Depression and as a result he relocated every school year for twelve years living with relatives in NJ and PA including Scranton, Harrisburg, and West Philadelphia, while his parents worked in NYC. As a result, he was tenacious in providing for his family, ensuring a secure, joyful, caring, stable and comfortable life.
During his high school years, he was a member of multiple swimming teams and a lifeguard in Ocean City, New Jersey. Upon graduation from West Philadelphia High School, John enlisted in the Army and consequently served in both World War II and the Korean War. In between his two active duties, he attended Dickinson College, where he was a proud Beta Theta Phi fraternity brother.
John met the love of his life, Patty, at the Philadelphia Arena Skating Rink where he was a Rink Rat. They were married in 1950 and celebrated 75 years of an inseparable friendship and a beautiful marriage.
John had an amazing professional journey. He transformed a local insurance firm into a nationally recognized, highly successful company. John was Owner and President of Colburn Insurance Services (now USI Affinity) for over 50 years. He served the Philadelphia, Allegheny and Pennsylvania Bar, Medical, Realtor, Osteopathic, Dental and Veterinarian Associations, as well as Chambers of Commerce, providing member insurance benefits. John also served as national president of AIPAGIA, the American Institute of Professional Association Group Insurance Administrators. John served on multiple Boards in the Philadelphia area including Riddle Hospital in Media, PA.
John embraced life to its fullest and had a very healthy work-life balance. He was a passionate sportsman. One could find him on his sailboat on the Chesapeake and the Caribbean or on golf courses at Aronimink Golf Club and Carambola Golf Club in St. Croix. His biggest golf accomplishments were shooting his age when he was 82 and 83. He also was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan, being an Eagles' decades long season ticketholder.
John's magical getaway was on the island of St. Croix, where he and Patty retired in 1988.
Throughout their marriage they loved to travel, venturing to over 40 countries. But what he loved most was socializing, spending time with close friends and family, sharing his stories and hilarious jokes.
John is survived by his wife Patty (Patricia J. Hoffman), his two children and their spouses, John (Terry Littleton) and Cathy (David Grossman), and three grandchildren, Taylor, Kyle and Casey. He was so loved by each and everyone.
The family is holding a private memorial service. Donations can be made in memory of John to Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063 or TylerArboretum.org