Thomas "Tom" David Colby

Thomas “Tom” David Colby died peacefully October 5, 2017, at age 82 in Sacramento, CA. His loving wife, Carol Colby, and other family members were at his side. Tom lived a life of service — to his family, church and community. He was known for his calm demeanor, his competence, his fairness, his strength of character and, above all, his kindness and generosity of spirit. Tom will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Tom was born December 14, 1934, in Minneapolis, MN, to Angela and George Colby. His early years were spent in New Prague, MN. When he was 5, his family moved to Sacramento. Tom attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. He graduated from Sacramento State College with a business degree and received a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University. After college, Tom joined Aerojet as an accountant. He later moved into government work, serving as an accountant, an auditor and a manager for the state of California until he retired. He audited school districts, dams and other water projects. While working in the State Controller’s Office, he served as lottery program manager. Tom continued to be active after retirement. He was an usher at the Memorial Auditorium and the Sacramento Convention Center, and assisted performers and audience members at concerts, theatrical shows, and literary and cultural events. He helped family members, friends and church groups pro bono with their bookkeeping, estate and other financial needs. Tom served for years as a lector and an usher at Sacred Heart Church and later attended St. Mary Catholic Church. He helped plan alumni events for his Christian Brothers High School class. He volunteered with the River Park Neighborhood Association. Tom was devoted to his family — celebrating his children’s and grandchildren’s successes and attending their ball games and events. Tom is survived by Carol Colby, his wife of 59 years; children Annemarie Colby, Thomas M. Colby (Dolly Colby), Daniel Colby and Christopher Colby (Dr. Connie Teresi); and grandchildren Michael Colby, Carl Colby and David Colby. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 12, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. and a rosary recitation at 7 p.m. at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 13, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1333 58th St., Sacramento, CA 95819, with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, 3333 Third Ave., Sacramento, CA 95817, or Christian Brothers High School Class of ‘53 Scholarship Fund, 4315 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.