Retired Ohio Army National Guard career soldier and U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, Michael Dennis Patrick Colbert, age 69, of Alliance, died Sunday, April 14, 2013.
He ended his earth life's journey at Wyant Woods Skilled Care Center, Akron/Fairlawn, Ohio, in the loving, comfort filled presence of his wife, Marikay. He was a resident there since November 2010.
Proud to be Irish, he was born August 21, 1943, in Cleveland, to Thomas Aquinas and Alice Josephine (Curry) Colbert. He has lived in the Alliance vicinity since the fall of 1978, coming here as the Unit Administrator at the Alliance Ohio Army National Guard Armory on Vine Street.
Mike graduated from Cathedral Latin Catholic High School in 1961 and attended John Carroll University and the Cleveland State University as a History major. In May of 1966, Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army and served until the fall of 1968 which included his tour of duty in Vietnam where he was a Forward Observer in the Armored Calvary.
He was a devoted Catholic member of Regina Coeli Catholic Church, strong advocate of the value of Catholic education, former member of the bereavement committee, usher, Eucharistic Minister on the altar and at Alliance area nursing homes. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and in the Physical Therapy Department at Alliance Community Hospital following his full time retirement at age 51. Mike was a member of the American Legion Post No. 166, Christopher Columbus and OANG.
Survivors include his wife, Marikay Irene (Hagan) Martin Colbert of their home in Alliance, whom he married June 25, 1983; stepdaughter, Stephanie Diane Martin (Christian) Shively, their children, Bradyn Michael Martin Shively and Maya Zochigrace Maribell Shively who reside in Champion; his stepson, Steven Christopher Martin (Melanie Bartholow), their daughter, Samantha Nicole Martin and her brother, Blake Austin Brown of Alliance.
He loved all of them as though they were his own. His God children were, Ann Clair of Toledo and Macy and Kyan of Uniontown.
Mike was grateful for the gift of extended family when he married Marikay. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Marjorie Jean Battershell; brother-in-law, John Patrick (Tina) Hagan Sr. and Thomas Michael (Betty Whiteleather) Hagan. He dearly loved all of his nieces and nephews and their children, cherishing every milestone and celebration in their lives. His first cousins, Patrick (Joanne), Maureen and Theresa were like his siblings.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his infant sister, Mary Ann Colbert; his in-laws, Charles and Mary Helen Hagan of Marlboro and his brother-in-law, Charles Elroy Hagan of Alliance.
Mike loved GOLF, his grandchildren, playing cards, any sports on TV, attending movies, all gadgets, and to read and relax.
Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in December 2004; directly related to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He had required skilled care and had been unable to live in his home since July 2010.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Regina Coeli Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Ruggieri and Fr. Michael Seifert concelebrating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Marlboro Cemetery in the Veterans section.
Mike's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff and management of Wyatt Woods Care Center who have become like family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Regina Coeli/St. Joseph's School, 663 Fernwood Blvd., Alliance, OH, 44601.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.
He ended his earth life's journey at Wyant Woods Skilled Care Center, Akron/Fairlawn, Ohio, in the loving, comfort filled presence of his wife, Marikay. He was a resident there since November 2010.
Proud to be Irish, he was born August 21, 1943, in Cleveland, to Thomas Aquinas and Alice Josephine (Curry) Colbert. He has lived in the Alliance vicinity since the fall of 1978, coming here as the Unit Administrator at the Alliance Ohio Army National Guard Armory on Vine Street.
Mike graduated from Cathedral Latin Catholic High School in 1961 and attended John Carroll University and the Cleveland State University as a History major. In May of 1966, Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army and served until the fall of 1968 which included his tour of duty in Vietnam where he was a Forward Observer in the Armored Calvary.
He was a devoted Catholic member of Regina Coeli Catholic Church, strong advocate of the value of Catholic education, former member of the bereavement committee, usher, Eucharistic Minister on the altar and at Alliance area nursing homes. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and in the Physical Therapy Department at Alliance Community Hospital following his full time retirement at age 51. Mike was a member of the American Legion Post No. 166, Christopher Columbus and OANG.
Survivors include his wife, Marikay Irene (Hagan) Martin Colbert of their home in Alliance, whom he married June 25, 1983; stepdaughter, Stephanie Diane Martin (Christian) Shively, their children, Bradyn Michael Martin Shively and Maya Zochigrace Maribell Shively who reside in Champion; his stepson, Steven Christopher Martin (Melanie Bartholow), their daughter, Samantha Nicole Martin and her brother, Blake Austin Brown of Alliance.
He loved all of them as though they were his own. His God children were, Ann Clair of Toledo and Macy and Kyan of Uniontown.
Mike was grateful for the gift of extended family when he married Marikay. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Marjorie Jean Battershell; brother-in-law, John Patrick (Tina) Hagan Sr. and Thomas Michael (Betty Whiteleather) Hagan. He dearly loved all of his nieces and nephews and their children, cherishing every milestone and celebration in their lives. His first cousins, Patrick (Joanne), Maureen and Theresa were like his siblings.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his infant sister, Mary Ann Colbert; his in-laws, Charles and Mary Helen Hagan of Marlboro and his brother-in-law, Charles Elroy Hagan of Alliance.
Mike loved GOLF, his grandchildren, playing cards, any sports on TV, attending movies, all gadgets, and to read and relax.
Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in December 2004; directly related to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He had required skilled care and had been unable to live in his home since July 2010.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Regina Coeli Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Ruggieri and Fr. Michael Seifert concelebrating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Marlboro Cemetery in the Veterans section.
Mike's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff and management of Wyatt Woods Care Center who have become like family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Regina Coeli/St. Joseph's School, 663 Fernwood Blvd., Alliance, OH, 44601.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.
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