Dr. Charles R. Colvin, ED.D
Dr. Charles R. Colvin, ED.D
Dr. Charles R. Colvin, ED.D age 94, passed away peacefully in Naples, FL on December 19th, 2022. Charles was the youngest of seven children born to Clarence and Emma Colvin of Erie, PA. Charles was married for 64 years to Evelyn (Meldon) Colvin, also of Erie, who predeceased him in 2013; a union that blessed them with four children. Charles was the scion of a long line of Colvin’s that first arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1600’s. A graduate of St Bonaventure University, Charles earned his Masters degree and Education Doctorate Degree at Case Western Reserve University. He taught English and Education at Gannon College in Erie for 16 years before moving to the State University of New York at Fredonia for the next 24 years where he continued to teach and eventually became Chair and Professor of the Education Department and established the innovative and important Community College Teacher Preparation Program. Charles retired in 1990 as Professor Emeritus from Fredonia State.
Following retirement, Charles and Evelyn spent their summers at their home on Birchwood Drive in Fredonia before eventually settling full time in Naples where Charles continued his lifelong passion for golf. A member of Shorewood Golf Club in Dunkirk, Charles was proud to have shot his age several times in golf. Very personable and relished for his wit on the golf course, Charles was fond of telling his golf partners that a “preferred lie” was a lie that “he preferred.” Charles was also an artisan and craftsman fashioning various golf trinkets that he enjoyed selling at arts and craft shows. One of his most prized possessions was a letter from Arnold Palmer thanking him for one of Charlie’s golf trinkets. Charles’ other passion was following his beloved Buffalo Bills which started when the Bills used to hold summer camp at Fredonia State where Charles would enjoy watching their practices.
Charles was a longtime member of the Elks Club and St Josephs Catholic Church in Fredonia.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Emma, his wife Evelyn, and daughter Ann (Colvin) Chidsey. He is survived by his son Rear Admiral Christopher Charles Colvin, USCG, ret. and his wife Kristin and their two children Meagan and Mark of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Dr. Mary Colvin, Ph.D. RN, CNE of Naples and son Daniel Colvin, head golf professional and Director of Golf at Fishers Island, NY and his wife Aimee and their two children Grayson and Daisy along with Ann’s children Danielle and Cassandra and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Charles was also blessed with the love and partnership, of Pat Callis, a Naples realtor and golf enthusiast who stayed by Charley’s side until the end.
Services will be held at a yet to be determined date and time at Burton’s Funeral home and Saint Peters Cathedral church in Erie, PA where Charles will be interred alongside his wife Evelyn in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, 1781 West 26th St, Erie, PA 16508.