- Date Of Birth: November 21, 1924
- Date Of Death: October 30, 2018
- State: New Jersey
Frank J. Colbert died October 30, 2018, at home. Frank was born on Nov. 21, 1924 in Homestead, PA to Frank J. Colbert Sr, and Theresa (O’Brien) Colbert. He graduated from Youngsville (Pa.) High School in 1942 and soon after enlisted in the Army and fought in World War II, rising to the rank of sergeant. He was on supply detail during the D-Day invasion.
Following the war and discharge from the Army, Frank soon was back in the military, this time enlisting in the Navy. He became a sonarman (later sonar technician) and participated in the Korean War. He became an expert in antisubmarine warfare (ASW) during his tour of duty at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Lakehurst, NJ, aboard U.S. Navy blimps when he was part of the “Lighter than Air” (LTA) Navy during the 1950s. He also served on board the USS Osborne, the USS Fletcher, the USS John W. Tomlinson, the USS Laffey (where he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer), and the USS Richmond K. Turner’s maiden voyage from Philadelphia to San Diego, his final duty assignment. Frank was honorably discharged as a Master Chief Petty Officer in December 1964.
He then became an engineering technician at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where he was employed for 15 of the next 17 years (the other two years at Naval Air Engineering Center, Lakehurst, NJ). Following his retirement from government service in 1982, Frank was employed at two government contracting agencies until 1987. After several relocations, Frank settled with his family in Jackson, NJ in 1966. He was a communicant of St. Monica’s parish and member of the Knights of Columbus. Frank was also a member of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA). He was an avid college football fan, especially Navy, Notre Dame, and Princeton. He was also a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In addition to his parents, Frank is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Jean Marie (Funaro) Colbert; sisters, Rita Boyer, Margaret Holcomb, and Patricia Smith; a brother, Thomas Colbert; and a niece, Joan Holcomb Miller. Frank is survived by his five children: James Colbert of Roebling, NJ; Sr. Theresa A. Colbert, FMIJ, of Cherry Hill, NJ; Jack Colbert of Linwood, NJ; Kathy Renz of Horsham, PA; and Mary Colbert of Blackwood, NJ; and his four grandchildren: Stephen J. Renz of Lansdale, PA; Colleen M. Renz of Chicago, IL; Janine E. Renz of Horsham, PA; and Maryann T. Renz of Chicago, IL.
Frank is also survived by a sister, Dolores Kaufman of Westfield, NY; and brother-in-law Joseph Funaro and his wife Ann of Bolton Landing, NY. There are also many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces.
