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Thomas Colgate Obituary
March 9, 1937 - March 19, 2023
Thomas P. "Pat" Colgate, passed away on March 19, 2023 at Advinia Care in Northbridge, MA following an illness. He is survived by his children: Ken Colgate and wife Kristy of Grafton MA, Bill Colgate of Sarasota FL, and Bob Colgate and fiancée Sarah Wong of Carmel, IN. He was predeceased by his son Gary Colgate. He also leaves his grandchildren: Samantha, Michael and Millie Colgate, Jamie Brichner, and Taylor and Morgan Colgate; his great-grandson Grayson Brichner; his brothers: John Colgate and wife Liz, Jerry Colgate and wife Carol, and Paul Colgate and wife Patty; and his sister Grace Williams. He was predeceased by his sister Susie Hill. He also leaves his former wife, Jodi (Lauer) Colgate; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Curtis; his dear friends, Margaret Crouse and Jay Eliason;and several nieces and nephews.
Pat was born in Canon City, CO, the son of the late Mary (O'Hanlon) and Robert Colgate. He obtained his PhD in Education and his students referred to him as "Doc". His roots were in Colorado but his long and distinguished career in higher education eventually led him to Nebraska, and more specifically, Chadron State College where he was a Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Athletic Chair and eventually Dean spanning more than three decades from 1965 to 2002, when he retired after impacting the lives and paths of thousands of students, faculty, and colleagues for so many years.
Away from his work Pat was easy to find on the golf course, at the card table with friends, spending time whittling as he was a skilled wood carver and of course raising a glass of chardonnay with the people he loved.
All are welcome to GATHER with Pat's family and friends Saturday, April 1, for a PRAYER SERVICE at 1pm, which will be followed by CALLING HOURS from 1:30-3pm at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. Burial next to his son Gary in Naples, FL will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please honor Pat with a donation to the Thomas P. Colgate Physical Education Scholarship c/o Chadron State Foundation, 1000 Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337. A Book of Memories to share a favorite story or memory is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Colgate
Sponsored by Roney Funeral Home North Chapel.
1 Entry
Don Driscoll
April 2, 2023
Sending along my condolences to the Colgate
family. "Doc" was a teacher, mentor, advisor
and coach during my years at Chadron.
He was my advisor at CSC from 1965-1968 until I received my BA degree in Physical Education and my advisor for MS degree from 1968-1970.
Doc was instrumental in getting me my first teaching job In Rushville. Also I swam in the CSC swim team while he was the coach.
As I reflect on my life, Doc had a greater influence on my future success in my professional life than anyone. After leaving Rushville in 1970, I went to be the most successful swim coach in NYS with a record of 320-10, taught PE, and become Assistant Principal , Director of PE & Athletics at a large HS
in NYS. I will be forever indebted to Dr. Pat Colgate.
Don Driscoll
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