Bob Colby

Robert Michael Colby (Bob, Bobby, Bob-Bob), 75, of Georgetown Texas, a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Christ surrounded by family members and much love. He died on Friday April 24 after a sudden illness while visiting family in San Angelo, TX. Bob was the middle of three sons born to Dick and Dorothy McGrath Colby in Rochester, NY on January 16, 1951.

Bob enjoyed what he called a “Beaver Cleaver” childhood full of outdoor activities on and around Lake Ontario in both summer and winter and a neighborhood full of like aged boys including his younger brother and cousin who formed a group known as the “Terrible Tigers”.

Bob attended local Catholic schools and graduated from Aquinas Institute of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. While attending Aquinas, Bob was proudest of his years with the award winning color guard that won state and national recognition. He developed a life long friendship with his color guard guys and kept in regular contact with them all.

Soon after high school, Bob met the first love of his life, Lin Fisher Colby. After finishing college and beginning his 38 year career with IBM, Lin and Bob were married. They had two children together, Jeff and Krissy Colby. They had a beautiful, happy life together living mostly in Marietta, GA. After 30 years of marriage, Lin preceded Bob in death.

Bob excelled in business, receiving many awards and promotions within IBM. Bob thrived on finding new uses for technology and utilized his expertise in many areas within IBM. From programming and sales to education and training new IBM’ers, installing early computers in businesses and the Atlantic City casinos. No matter the area within the company, Bob was sure to bring his own style of humor and wit everywhere he went. He was especially proud of all the celebrity photos he acquired when working in recognition events and had many photos of himself with the talent he hired. He enjoyed showing his “wall of shame” and telling stories of all the entertainers and sports figures he met.

Bob met & married his second great love, Cheri Rittman Colby in 2006. Bob was always curious how he found two amazing wives, but it was Bob’s capacity for love & humor that drew you to him. Although they did not have any children together, Bob considered his step-daughter Jessica Stidham as his own. His granddaughter, Olivia Vilardo, has been Bob’s pride & joy over the last 10 years. He loved making cookies & gingerbread houses and taking vacations with Olivia. He was very proud of her school work, artistic talent, singing & cheerleading skills. How his eyes lit up with anything regarding Olivia.

Bob & Cheri were blessed to have 20 years together, enjoying retirement, traveling, entertaining, hosting Halloween parties and singing karaoke.

Bob was an amateur magician and a natural entertainer. He thrived on stage and especially enjoyed performing magic shows for charity and for his children, granddaughter and nieces & nephews. He was also a wonderful friend who brought his own brand of humor and vitality to every occasion and will indeed be missed by many.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Dorothy Colby, first wife Lin and their son Jeff Colby, formerly of Marietta, GA, his younger brother, Tom Colby formerly of Pompano Beach, FL, and father-in-law Dick Rittman of San Angelo, TX.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Cheri, of Georgetown, TX, daughter Krissy Colby of Charlottesville, VA, step-daughter Jessica Stidham and granddaughter Olivia Vilardo of Woodstock, GA. Brother Dan (Ann) of Sarasota, FL, their children, Cheryl Bohrman (Craig) of New Milfort, CT, Tim Colby (Emily) of Castle Rock, CO, and Brian Colby (Rosa) of Andover, MA. Niece Caty Colby of Boca Raton, FL, brother and sister-in-law Sue Gordon (Don) of Walworth, NY, niece Kerry Haley (Josh) of Victor, NY. Mother-in-law Betty Rittman, sisters-in-law Susan Sherrod (Dr. Gene), Retta Smith, Mary Thompson (Brian) and Beth Henderson (Dr. Todd). Nieces Sarah Lamb (Jon), Julie Eledge (Jarrett), Samantha Conner (Chris), Scarlett Calvin (Jordan) and Stephanie Long (Jon). Nephews Carson McCain (Rachel), Sterling Smith (Whitney), Aaron Willman (Kayla), Brandon Willman and Clayton Willman (Courtney). As well as countless great nieces and nephews who were the first to ask for a magic trick from Daddy Bob at family gatherings.

A rosary will be held for Bob on Tuesday April 28 at 1:00 pm at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, Goshen Foundation, 387 Goshen Church Way, Waleska, GA 30183 or the charity of your choosing.