John Colbert, Jr.

November 26, 1943 - January 24, 2023

Visitation: Friday 6-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229

Service: Saturday, 10AM, St. Teresa of Avila Ct., 800 Avila Ct., Pgh, PA 15237


Colbert,
John M. Jr. “Bud”

Age 79, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Nothing meant more to Bud than his family. From a young age, he assumed the role of steady caretaker, a commitment he continued humbly throughout his life. While loved by many, no one cherished him more than his late wife of 48 years, Joy (Katilius). Bud is remembered for his unconditional love and uncanny ability to locate a Dairy Queen by his children, Amy (Aaron) Rinsema, J (Jen) Colbert, Annie (Alan) Colbert. His subtly playful spirit and willingness to cuddle on the sofa to watch any sporting event will be missed dearly by his grandchildren, Noah, Evabelle, Jack, and Edith.

Bud was born in the North Hills of Pittsburgh to John Milton, Sr. and Evabell (Scherer) Colbert. He was the proud big brother to Bob, Bruce, Bernie, and Kevin. Through tragedy and challenges, the family remained close and supportive of each other. Uncle Bud, as he was fondly known, is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives.

Bud was a talented athlete, playing catcher as a child and young adult. His unshakable demeanor made him a solid choice behind the plate as he played in the Pony and Colt League World Series, with the Northside Mets, and in a short stint as a bullpen catcher for the LA Dodgers. When not on the field, Bud could be found in the dugout as a coach.

Bud continued coaching when he and Joy relocated to Wheaton, Illinois in the early 1980s. Hundreds of kids benefited from Bud’s sports philosophy: everyone plays, have fun, and never catch a fly ball with the glove in front of your face. Bud always showed up as a coach, and as a parent and grandparent. He never missed a game, concert, play, or opportunity to support the people he loved as a reassuring presence in the crowd. If his van could get him there, he would show up with a carload in tow.

We will miss his encyclopedic knowledge of last-chance Mass schedules, piles of newspapers, breakfasts at Bob Evans, dinners at IHOP, not calling during Wheel of Fortune, flips flops and sock lines, leaning on his shoulder, camping trips, road trips, the way all animals loved him, big sneezes, rumbling snores, commitment to hanging Christmas lights, buying flats of impatiens to plant each spring, and always picking up the phone when we needed him.

A man of few words with a big heart and stubborn resolve, Bud’s quiet kindness and deep love for his family will be remembered forever. We love you, Dad, Bud, John, Uncle Bud, Coach, Pop Pop.

Warmest thanks to the staff at ProMedica North Hills for their care.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 27 from 6-8PM. at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 806 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp. A Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Teresa of Avila Church, 800 Avila Ct., Pgh, PA 15237(Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish) on Saturday, January 28 at 10AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s name can be made to the Ingomar Franklin Park Little League’s “Challenger Division” program, P.O Box 743 Ingomar, PA 15127; 724-713-8795.

 

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  • Rick Stalder

    Buddy there are so many moments that spring to mind. I remember your wedding day and how happy you and Joy were. Buddy over the years there are so many holidays we shared at the little table. By far our experience at 549 when Teddy was dropped off I seem to remember a statement Teddy may blow up
    To your children grandchildren. Nieces and nephews are in my prayers. Rest in peace Buddy.

  • Therese Bell

    My condolences for your loss. it was always obvious that John loved my sister and adored his children. He will always hold a special place in my heart for the compassion he showed me during some tough times. He was an exceptional friend that will be welcomed thru the pearly gates. RIP John.

  • Sandra Hairston

    Dear Kevin, Jan and family please accept my sincere condolences,I know from our conversations how much John meant to you and the family. I know your faith and strength will help you through this heartbreak. May God Bless and keep you.

  • Marc and Ann Hummel

    So sorry to hear about the death of John Colbert. We’ve known John since J and Jen started dating. We always loved socializing with John and Joy. We became good friends. John was a wonderful husband, father, and pop pop. He truly loved all the grandkids. We are Jack’s other grandparents and we know how much Jack will miss his pop pop.

  • Kim Clark

    Dear Kevin, Janice, Amy and Family
    I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am extremely grateful for the time I had the pleasure of knowing Bud. I only wish I would have known him back in the day…. I’m sure he was a handful! I have had soo many patients and met so many families over the 21 years I’ve been at Promedica. However, not that many have left such a lasting impression on me. I know Bud must have been an Amazing man, and he certainly shines through in everyone of you guys. Love you all

 

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