Obituary of Francis "Hank" X. Colbert

Francis “Hank” X. Colbert, 95, passed away at home on February 14, 2019. He was born in Somerville, MA and lived in Madison, NJ, for the past 48 years.

He graduated from Boston College in 1950 with a degree in Industrial Management. He worked for Pan American Airlines as an Airline Pilot Captain for 32 years until his retirement in 1983. He proudly served his country during World War II as a Commander in the US Navy. He was the Squadron Leader Captain on the USS Saratoga in the Pacific and his squad survived attacks during the Battle of Iwo Jima. For his skill and bravery as a night pilot, Hank received a Purple Heart, a 5th Fleet Citation, during World War II.

Hank volunteered at the Mother Teresa Soup Kitchen, Newark, for 20 years, and was also a member of St. Vincent Martyr Parish and Opus Dei.

Hank is survived by his devoted wife, Jean T. Colbert and his loving children, Michael Colbert and his wife, Heather, Bridgewater and Kathleen Colbert, Madison and his cherished grandchildren, Maddie, Shea and Casey . He is also survived by his sisters, Mary, Jane and Helen and many nieces and nephews.

Hank was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie, and his brothers, Tom, Walter, Bob, Jack, Arthur, Dick, Paul and James.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, February 17, 2019, from 2-4 and 7-9pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main St., Madison NJ 07940. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 18, 2019, at 10:00 am at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery, Noe Ave & Shunpike Road, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Hank’s memory to the Missionaries of Charity, 168 Sussex Ave., Newark, NJ  07103.