DeForest W. Colegrove

Dr. DeForest “Bud” W. Colegrove Jr., 91, of Bristol, passed away on June 24, 2024, at Silver Creek Manor. He was the husband of Ann Marie (Amaral) Colegrove. 

Born in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late DeForest W. and Lucy (Sherman) Colegrove. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: his children Matthew (Susan) Colegrove of NY, Mark (Ellen) Colegrove of NH, Tamar(Scott) Piehler of GA, Robert L. Woodard Jr of MA, Matthew M. (Indra) Woodard of FL, and Christopher W. (Lisa) Woodard of MA; grandchildren Robert L. “Luc” Woodard III, Caroline Woodard, Christopher W. Woodard Jr., Nolan R. Woodard, Matthew O. Woodard, Taylor Colegrove, Harrison (Lauren) Colegrove, Gracie Colegrove, Delaney Colegrove, Peyton (Gianfranco) Colegrove DeRosa, Jeffrey & Caitlin Colegrove, Stefan (Linh) Colegrove, Trevor (Lauren) Colegrove, and Amanda (Jonah) Laird; and Great Grandchildren Annabella DeRosa, Hanna Colegrove, Maisy Colegrove, Cooper Colegrove, Emma Colegrove and Jamison Colegrove. 

He was predeceased by his son Mark J. Woodard and his brother Robert Colegrove.

Dr. Colegrove served his country for over 20 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Master Chief. He played a key role in helping to avoid the Cuban Missile Crisis during his active duty and he never spoke of it unless asked. He was a humble hero.

Dr. Colegrove attended Roger William’s University and received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science in 1985, followed by receiving his MBA in International Trade and Finance in 1991. Later in life he returned to school and attended Salve Regina in Newport RI, where he received his PhD in Humanities and International Relations in 1995. Bud (as his friends called him) taught for many years as a Professor for the University of Maryland abroad where he and his wife Ann lived and traveled throughout Europe, making new long-term friends and acquaintances. Once returning to the states he and his wife settled in a small town in New Mexico and remained there making a new home for themselves while he taught online. Family and friends would go out to visit and always had a place to stay and a tour of New Mexico at their fingertips. Once he retired from the university he found his calling, which was teaching at a private Christian high school. This is where he felt fulfilled by molding the young students minds while becoming closer to Jesus Christ. Throughout his life Bud had a passion for photography and collected thousands of pictures over the years including one at Jesus’s tomb that he loved to share. He would also make instant friends by writing down their name, address and birthdate on index cards and sending Birthday postcards to people who were once strangers. These postcards became hundreds sent out each year that were collected from and sent all over the world. Bud was an honest, genuine, strong gentleman who was loved by many all over the world and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral services will be held on Friday, June 28th, 10 – 10:30 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, followed by a Christian Memorial Service, 11AM at Radiant Christian Assembly of God, 895 Main St., Warren RI.

Calling hours are Thursday, 5 – 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dr. Colegrove's name to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

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