Dr. Charles Colvin, Ed. D

Dr. Charles R. Colvin, ED. D, age 94, passed away peacefully in Naples, FL on Monday, December 19, 2022.  Charles was the youngest of seven children born to Clarence and Emma Colvin, owners of the former Colvin Dairy in Erie. 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 before eventually settling in the Erie area in 1865.  Charles was a 1946 graduate of Cathedral Prep High School where he played football, baseball, captained the successful Catholic state tournament basketball team and also served as junior class and student council presidents.  In a different, wartime, hardworking era, Charles went to school during the day, played sports in the evenings and delivered milk from midnight to dawn.  He was named “most athletic” in his class.   

He was a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, where he finished his four-year degree in only two years. Charles earned his Master’s Degree and his Education Doctoral 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 & Professor of the Education Department. There, he established the innovative and important Community College Teacher Preparation Program.  Charles retired in 1990 as Professor Emeritus from State University of New York at Fredonia.

Following retirement, Charles and Evelyn spent summers in Erie before eventually settling full time in Naples, FL where Charles continued his lifelong passion for golf.  Charles was proud to have shot his age several times in golf.  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 of thanks from Arnold Palmer for one of Charley’s golf trinkets.  Charles’ other passion was following his beloved Buffalo Bills, which started when the Bills used to hold summer camp at the university where he taught. 

Charles was a longtime member of The Elks Club in Erie and Naples and Saint Peter Cathedral Catholic Church, in Erie and St Leo Catholic Church, in Bonita Springs, Florida.   

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Emma, his wife Evelyn, and daughter Ann (Colvin) Chidsey, as well as his siblings, Thomas, Jim, Marie, Genevieve, Pat and John. 

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, FL 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 nieces and nephews.  Charles was also blessed with the love and partnership of Pat Callis, Naples realtor and golf enthusiast, who stayed by Charlie’s side until the end.

 Services will be held at a later date at Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, PA under the direction of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc Downtown, 602 W. 10^th St., Erie. 

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 26^th St, Erie, PA  16508.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.