John Colvin

John W. Colvin, 97 years old and a former Summit Township Supervisor, died on Friday, March 16, surrounded by family in the home he built 70 years ago. He spent his childhood working on his grandparents’ farms in Summit and went onto serve in the army during WWII as a Tech Sargent First Class with the 5th Army, 88th Division, in Italy. Following the war, he ran the family business, Colvin Dairy, which he eventually passed on to his son, Paul.

John married and raised a family in Summit, all the while being active in his community. He organized parish members to build a rectory for St. Matthew-in-the-Woods Church, was a 4th Degree Color Corps member of the Knights of Columbus, a life-long member of the Zukor Club, an usher at St. George’s Church for 50 years, and a member of the St. Joseph’s Bowling Team. He became a three-term supervisor of Summit Township, spearheading development of water lines that spurred economic growth in the township leading to new business & residential developments along with new recreational services for the community.

John stuttered as a child and was teased for it. As a result, he taught his children to “always look out for the little guy and never make fun of anyone.” He practiced this by hiring young men who were first-time offenders on probation to work at the milk plant, so they would have a second chance, and mentally disabled youth to help deliver milk.

His parents, Clarence and Emma (Brennan) Colvin, pre-deceased him, as did siblings Thomas, Jim, Marie, Genevieve, and Pat; his youngest son, Paul; and the mother of his children, Shirley (Sommerhof). He is survived by his brother, Dr. Charles Colvin; his children, Linda Rhodes, Jack Colvin and Jodi Gorman; 8 grandchildren, one of whom, Riley Colvin, lived with him; and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Tuesday, March 20th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial held on Wed March 21st at St. George Church 5145 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 at 11:00 am followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery and a reception at 1:30 pm at the Summit Township Senior Center, 1450 Townhall Road West.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the National Stuttering Association at www.westutter.org (Go to Donate) or call 800-937-8888.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com