David C. "Chuck" Colburn, Sr.

David C. "Chuck" Colburn, Sr., age 77, of Bedford, MA, formerly of Salisbury, MA, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Bedford VA Hospital. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gertrude (Bartlett) Colburn.

Born in Newburyport, MA, on October 24, 1947, David was the son of the late Glenn P. and Elinore (Hayden) Colburn. He graduated from Cardinal Cushing Academy in West Newbury, MA, Class of 1964.

Shortly after graduation, David proudly enlisted in the United States Navy on November 10, 1964. Over the course of a distinguished 28-year military career, he rose to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, Operations Specialist (SCPO/OS), before retiring in January 1992.

David served aboard several Navy vessels, including the USS Corry, USS Standley, USS McCard, USS Recovery, and USS Biddle. His shore duty stations included Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, IL; SS.RD "A" School Great Lakes, IL; Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic (FCTCLANT), Dam Neck, VA; and COMPHIBGRU Two, Little Creek, VA. He was a highly respected and decorated sailor, remembered for his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering dedication to service.

Following his military retirement, David remained active in his community. He was a Past President of the Salisbury Lions Club, a former member of the Elks Lodge, and served as a Liquor Commissioner in Salisbury. He had a deep love for baseball, fishing, and boating, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

David's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. He is survived by his life partner, Sharon Lewis of Seabrook, NH; two sons, David C. Colburn, Jr. and his wife Carmen of Virginia Beach, VA, and Michael Colburn and his wife Aila of Salisbury, MA; and his daughter, Tracey L. (Colburn) Garbers and her fiancé Jason Steen of Norfolk, VA, with Tracey’s mother, Linda Colburn-Foden, of Homosassa Springs, FL.

He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Bridget and her husband Eduardo Gomez, Heidi and her husband Keith Hale, Skylar, Riley, Maja, Alexander, Michael, and Eliot; as well as two great-grandsons, Liam and Elijah. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn “John” Colburn and his wife Maureen of Rochester, NH; two sisters, Nancy Teel of Newburyport, MA, and Susan Kitonis and her husband Peter of Lake Elmore, VT; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister Carol Baxter, brother-in-law Ronald Teel, and son-in-law Gary M. Garbers.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 10:00 AM, followed by a Graveside Service with Full Military Honors at 11:00 AM in the Veterans Section of Old Hill Cemetery.