BRUNSWICK — Robert David Colfer, 84, died surrounded by his family from complications of a heart attack on Dec. 24 at Mid Coast Hospital.

He was born at his family’s home near Augusta on Oct. 15, 1927 to David C. and Marion (Fierling) Colfer. In 1946 he graduated from Cony High School and entered the U.S. Army. He was assigned to Reconnaissance Squadron 45th Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Fort Clayton, Panama Canal Zone.

On Dec. 31, 1948, he married Dorathy M. Hall who later died on March 25, 1961.

After being discharged in 1948, Colfer worked for the Maine Department of Transportation as a laborer and planner. In the early 1950s, he went to work at the former Hyde Windless Co., then to Bath Iron works where he worked in the purchasing and safety departments until he retired in 1989.

On July, 26, 1962, he married Jean F. Norton of Bath, who he met while working at the B.I.W. Hardings Facility.

Colfer was a man of strong faith and volunteered for many years as an usher and C.C.D. instructor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bath. He was also an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Mid Coast Credit Union.

In his retirement, he could frequently be found at city council meetings, making his point of view heard. However, he mostly chose to stay close to home, puttering around the house and spending time with his grandchildren.

Colfer was predeceased by his sisters, Nancy, Mary, Joanne, and Mildred; brothers, Norman, James, Clifford and Leslie; and three children, Patrick David Colfer, Michael Francis Colfer, and Margaret Anne (Colfer) Adams.

He is survived by his wife Jean Francis (Norton) Colfer of bath; siblings, Elizabeth (Colfer) Daniels and her husband Joseph of Lewiston, and Russell Colfer and his wife Rolande of Augusta; six children, Anne Richardson and her husband Barry of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Robert C. Colfer of Bath, David F. Colfer and his wife Monique of Lisbon Falls, John A. Colfer and his wife Heather of Woolwich, Peter M. Colfer and his wife Melissa of Feeding Hills, Mass., and Daniel C. Colfer and his wife Christine of Portland, Conn.; son-in-law Michael Adams of Lisbon; eight grandchildren, Paul E. Richardson and his wife Nicole of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Patrick C. Richardson and his partner Megan Goulet of Boston, Mass., Coery C., Maxwell J., Rowan and Harison Colfer all of Bath, Anna Grace and Sean Colfer of Feeding Hills, Mass.; and two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Ella Grace Richardson of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Visiting hours were held on Dec. 29 at the David E. Desmond Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on  Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln St., Bath.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Colfer’s memory to the Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.

Sidebar Elements

---

Colfer