David Lee Colton, 96, passed away on May 21, 2026, in The Villages, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of family devotion, community service, and athletic excellence.
Born March 30, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dave was the son of James and Ethel Colton. He graduated from Mars High School, where he competed on the debate team and lettered in basketball and baseball and later was inducted into the Mars HS Hall of Fame. Dave continued his education at the Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a degree in journalism. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and went on to earn a master’s degree in history from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.
Dave married Dorothy Jane Catherwood in 1953. They were married nearly 72 years before her death in November, 2025. They are survived by their five children: Autumn Colton (Sam Haines) in Mercer, Pennsylvania, Janie Colton (Rick Sulier) in Tecumseh, Michigan, Bobbi Hosmer (Jeff Hosmer) in Lady Lake, Florida, Jim Colton (Lisa Furey) on Spring Island, South Carolina, and Matt Colton in San Antonio, Texas.
Dave and Dorothy were blessed with nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Papa”, Dave passed on his love of sport and adventure to generations of family. Whether playing basketball at Rec Hall, running mountain trails, or welcoming grandchildren for summer sport camps, he created lasting memories. Dave is also survived by a brother, Robert Dovey of Dover, PA, and many nieces and nephews.
Athletics remained a lifelong passion. Dave coached at several colleges and later founded the Pennsylvania Striders running club. He continued competing well into his 70s and became a national Masters track champion in the 1500 and 5000 meter events. He completed the Boston and New York City Marathons multiple times, and ran in Rome, demonstrating the determination and discipline that defined his life.
Early in his career, Dave worked as the Director of Public Relations at Westminster College and then spent the majority of his professional career at Penn State University, serving as Alumni and Public Relations Director then as Athletic Fundraiser. Post-retirement, he worked as a part-time Activities Coordinator at Juniper Village and at the Press Gate at Beaver stadium.
Service to others was one of Dave’s core values. He volunteered as Secretary for the State College Kiwanis Club, served as an Elder at the State College Presbyterian Church, worked as a docent at the Pennsylvania Military Museum and greeted patients and visitors at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Dave loved books and ice cream. He could rarely pass a library, bookstore, or ice cream parlor without stopping. He won several ice cream eating contests and was a loyal customer of the Penn State Creamery. Even in his final days of hospice, he asked to be read to and requested ice cream – fitting reminders of lifelong joys.
A private committal service will take place at North Lake Presbyterian Church in Lady Lake, Florida.
Memorial donations may be made to the Penn State Athletic fund.