Jonathan Matthew Colby, 37 of Batavia. Died April 20, 2011 as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born August 18, 1973 in Olean, NY. He is the son of Gary M. Colby of Olean, NY and Beverly Phillips Harter of South Dayton, NY. Mr. Colby was employed at Lowe’s in Orchard Park, NY. He was a 1991 graduate of Olean High School and a 1995 graduate of the University of Rochester. He taught a Latin Class at Notre Dame High School and was very involved in the annual Scholastic Bowl, where he was a regular “Johnny on the spot” practically running the show as it featured several high school students, coaches, a film crew, judges and a time-keeper. He was very supportive of the moderator who was his wife Cathy. He was the electronic response operator for the Scholastic Bowl. Jonathan was an avid sports enthusiast of the Batavia Muckdogs, Buffalo Sabres and Bills and the New York Yankees.
He is survived by his wife of 14 ½ years Cathryn Jursted Colby of Batavia, his daughter Aurelia Juliet Colby of Batavia, his father and step mother Gary M. (Gayle) Colby of Olean, mother and step father Beverly (Gary) Harter of South Dayton, brother Brandon (Peggy) Zaleski of Bergen, sisters Renee (Devon) Callahan of West Point, NY, Kerri (Andrew) Scull of Olean, and Tabitha (Robert) Bergevin of Franklinville, NY. Also survived by paternal grandfather Herbert “Skip” Colby of Blasdell, NY, maternal grandmother Mabel Phillips of Alleghany, NY, father in law Lin (Linda) Jursted of Wyoming, mother in law Sandy (Scott Walls) Johnson of Riga, NY and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday April 23, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. There will be no calling hours on Easter Sunday. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Monday April 25, 2011 at the Funeral Home at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to set up a college fund for his daughter Aurelia. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
