A true gentleman is defined by his kindness, grace, and respect toward others. In every situation, under any circumstance, this rings true for Decatur House resident Jeff Colby. His sister-in-law Susan shares that Jeff’s warm and courteous manners were instilled in him by his beloved paternal grandmother, with whom he shared a close bond throughout his childhood.
Jeff spent most of his life in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, alongside his parents and older brother Richard. A 1977 graduate of East Longmeadow High School, Jeff cherishes the summers spent with his family camping on Cape Cod. They would set up their camper at Shawme State Forest or along the picturesque beaches of the National Seashore in Truro, creating lifelong memories.
Summertime on Cape Cod meant adventure for Jeff—surfing the ocean’s waves, exploring the sandy dunes, and feeling the thrill of flying high in a yellow bi-plane. He recalls those childhood moments, which formed the foundation for his lifelong sense of adventure.
For many years, Jeff worked at a local bowling alley in East Longmeadow, a job he loved and where he was known for his dedication and friendly demeanor. When the alley eventually closed, Jeff knew it was time to move on. “I’d had enough and was ready to go,” he says with a sense of contentment. He spent the following years living independently in a nearby apartment, devoting much of his time to helping his aging parents. He was a constant source of support, assisting them as they grew older and needed more help. His dedication and selflessness were evident until the very end, as he stayed by their side.
When both of his parents passed away within a week of each other in 2021, it was a tough and emotional time for Jeff. “Things can’t stay the same forever,” he reflects, his words tinged with sadness but also acceptance.
Now settling into life at Decatur House, Jeff is finding new joys and embracing the community. He’s delighted by the food—particularly the apple crisp, which he savors down to the last crumb—and has made new friends while also enjoying the company of the caring staff. He’s surprised himself by discovering new hobbies, like adult coloring, which he tried recently and found relaxing.
Jeff’s love for old movies, especially horror and comedies, is reflected in his tastefully decorated apartment, which features vintage movie posters and a turntable for his cherished vinyl records. His personality shines through in his surroundings, making his space a true home that speaks to his passions and interests.
Richard and Susan, who also live in Sandwich now, visit Jeff often, and one of their favorite traditions is taking him to the Sagamore Inn. There, they share meals and reminisce over steamers—a shared favorite of both Jeff and Susan.
One fun fact that not many know about Jeff is that he, his brother, and their father all took up scuba diving together, each becoming certified divers!
