Obituary: Paul DeWitt Colbath Jr.

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 5:01 am

Obituary: Paul "Bob" Colbath Jr. Remembered for His Service and Love of Cooking

Paul "Bob" DeWitt Colbath Jr., a veteran with a passion for cooking and a life filled with service, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Waldoboro, Maine, at the age of 74. Bob, born in Boston, Massachusetts, was known for his warm personality and dedication to his loved ones.

Bob's life was marked by service to his country. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army, including a year-long deployment in Korea. After his military service, he returned to New England and eventually settled in Ohio, where he worked as an auto mechanic and met his beloved wife, Linda. They shared 43 years together, including 35 years of marriage.

In 1988, Bob and Linda moved to Bridgton, Maine, where he pursued his passion for cooking. He worked as a cook at various establishments, including Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, Maine, for 15 years. After retiring, the couple moved to Waldoboro, Maine, in 2013, where Bob continued to cook for family and friends, enjoyed gardening, and participated in community activities. He was particularly known for his delicious SOS (a military dish), a favorite at family gatherings.

Bob is survived by his wife, Linda Colbath, brothers Peter and Philip Colbath, and sister Pamela Friend, along with nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Paula Graves, Paulette Betsy Joki, and Preston Colbath.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 12 noon at the Farmington Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington, New Hampshire. A memorial service is also being planned in Waldoboro, with details to be announced soon. The Hall Funeral Home of Waldoboro is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an ALS organization or supporting a veteran.

Keywords: Paul Colbath Jr., Bob Colbath, obituary, Waldoboro Maine, veteran, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, Korea, cook, Stephens Memorial Hospital, Linda Colbath, Farmington Pine Grove Cemetery, Hall Funeral Home, ALS, memorial service, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts, cooking, SOS, graveside service, veteran support

Full Story