Gordon Frederick Colby, 88, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2019 at the Holyoke Soldiers Home after a long illness.

Gordon was born on June 3rd 1931 in Northampton MA to Ralph and Bertha Weidhaas Colby. He was proud to have attained his Eagle Scout and graduated from Easthampton High School in 1948. He served in the US Navy on the USS Beatty during the Korean war in 1951.

Gordon had a long career in the cutting tool business starting at J. Russell Industrial Supply in Holyoke, MA. He went on to work at the Union Butterfield Company until 1970, at which time he founded The Colby Company, based in Springfield, MA. His hard work and determination gave him respect in the industry and built the foundation still used today.  Titan USA, as the company is presently operating, still maintains the same high standards he set in place.

Gordon was an active member in the First United Methodist Church, West Springfield MA. He served as the building chairman and also taught Sunday School. Gordon was a Master Mason, a member of the Elm Belcher Lodge, Agawam MA, a member of Melha, Springfield MA, and an active member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 144. Gordon lived life to the fullest and was always the life of the party. He was an active downhill skier, serving on the ski patrol at Jay Peak VT, an avid tennis player, runner and golfer; he loved the outdoors. Summers were spent on Cape Cod with his family enjoying the beach and boating. Gordon earned his private pilot's license which developed a passion for flying. His travels took him worldwide throughout his life. He loved adventures and planning exciting vacations to entertain his friends and family.

Gordon married Doris Arline Kitchen in 1952. They had 3 children, Laura Bowden of Myrtle Beach SC, Gordon D Colby (Laura) and Ralph S Colby, both of Westfield MA. He is survived by his children, wife Marilyn Gamelli Colby, Doris Arline Colby, the mother of his children, his brother Jack Colby, 6 grandchildren; Andrea Colby, Rachel Colby-Butcher (Evan) Chelsea Lane Monroe (Daniel) Alex Scott Colby (Norah) Larissa Lee Colby, Colby Ross Van Volkenburgh (Marilee) and One great grandson, Graham Gordon Butcher.

A Military Memorial Service will take place at the Massachusetts VA Cemetery, in Agawam, MA on Thursday April 23, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

For those desiring, Memorials may be made to "The Shriners Hospital for Children".