North Hartland, VT - Robert Burton Colgan passed away at home in North Hartland early Monday morning, March 5th. He was 86 years old. "Bob" grew up on a dairy farm in Swanton, Vermont, with his parents and five siblings. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked a number of odd jobs for a few years, including a brief stint in Buffalo, New York, with the Merchant Marine. Bob started on the Central Vermont Railway in 1958, working there until his retirement as a machine operator in 1993.
Bob moved to Hartford with his new wife, Helen, in 1973. They had two children, Cara and Quinn, whom they raised in West Hartford and then White River. In 1996, Bob and Helen moved to Orange Park, Florida, to be close to their daughter and their three grandsons, Clayton, Brayton, and Jayce Bailey. After seventeen years in Florida, Bob and Helen returned to Vermont, with the Baileys, settling in North Hartland.
Bob was a devoted husband and father, who had a passion for being outdoors, working on his yard, and cultivating his gardens. He enjoyed time with his family playing cards and watching football (especially his grandsons' high school games in person and his Buffalo Bills on TV).
Bob was predeceased by his mother, Bessie LaBombard Colgan; his father, Royal Clayton Colgan; his sister, Melba Colgan; and his brothers, Clorith and Donald Colgan.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; his sisters, Muriel Daprato, Phyllis Lasnier, and Elaine Bourdon; his brother, Clifford Colgan; his two children, three grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all.
Friends and family are invited to Knight's Funeral Home in White River Junction on Friday, March 9, 2018, from 2-4 pm, for his calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Anthony's Church in White River on Saturday morning March 10th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Bob's memory to The Upper Valley Haven in White River Jct., VT. The Haven's care and kindness to so many in need seems a fitting tribute to Bob's kind caring heart and his love of home and family. Please give to The Haven: http://uppervalleyhaven.org/donate/