April 9 2020
Keith W. Colbath, Sr. April 9, 2020 Keith W. Colbath, Sr., a longtime Bedford resident, was called by Our Lord on Holy Thursday, April 9, 2020, following a lengthy illness, while hospitalized at MGH, Boston, MA. Keith was born in Boston and was the son of the late Keith and Margaret (Sullivan) Colbath. He was raised in Belmont where he graduated from Belmont High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College and furthered his education, taking graduate accounting courses at Bentley University. He retired as Treasurer of The Nelson Companies. He was the treasurer of the St. Michael Knights of Columbus for numerous years, the Babe Ruth Baseball treasurer for many years, coached Babe Ruth Baseball and Bedford Recreation softball, he and Jean were Eucharistic Ministers at St. Michael Church, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. Keith was the devoted husband of Virginia Jean (Maloney) Colbath. They celebrated a blessed 54 years of marriage. He and Jean traveled extensively throughout the world, very often accompanied by their children and grandchildren. Some of his favorite trips were to Ireland, where Keith held dual citizenship. Keith cherished family time together, be it on their trips, upcountry skiing or on Cape Cod. Keith was an accomplished, downhill skier, dancer, piano player and swimmer. He enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, listening to jazz and classical music and watching sports of any variety. At one time, Keith could tell you every sports team, players and all their statistics. Keith was a man of few words. He listened. He never spoke negatively concerning anyone, and would always make an excuse for someone’s negative words and behavior. He was the eternal optimist. He was totally unpretentious, He had a wonderful sense of humor and was incredibly easy going. He was a “Gentle Giant”…6’6” tall. Keith is survived by his beloved wife Jean, his two loved children, Elisabeth (Lisa) Colbath-Czech and her husband Paul of Arlington and Keith and his wife Erica of Bedford, sister-in-law, Helen Pietchel and her husband, Stephen Pietchel of Billerica, brother-in-law Dr. Bernard C. Maloney of Lincoln, cherished grandchildren, Paul Czech, Jr., Callista, Liam, Brigid and Sean Colbath and proud uncle to Susan Hewitt, Caroline Lovejoy, Laurence Nickerson, Tracey Herbert, Sally Jarrett, Andrew Nickerson, Amy Dion, Laurie Isnor, Michelle Ricker, Mark Pietchel, Shauna Rolfe and Maegan Maloney. Keith was predeceased by his sister, Joan Nickerson and her husband Bruce Nickerson of Weston. Keith will be missed dearly by his family, friends and by his community. He touched many lives. Funeral arrangements will be private. In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to the MGH “Fireman Vascular Clinic” 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 01730 or online at giving.massgeneral.org/donate/fireman-center/- Thanking Dr. Watkins for his “miracle” surgeries re-Keith Colbath, or the Bedford Food Pantry, Bedford Town Center, 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Keith W Colbath Sr April 9 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Bedford, state: Massachusetts