Virginia Beach - CAPTAIN John G. "Jack" Colgan, USN, (Ret.) 12/13/29 - 10/12/17
After a five-year battle with the ravages of Alzheimer's disease, Captain John G. "Jack" Colgan, a 33-year veteran of the United States Navy, passed away quietly in Virginia Beach, VA on October 12, 2017.

Born in Philadelphia, PA and a graduate of St. Joseph's University, Jack was a life-long Philadelphia Eagles fan. In addition to parents, James and Mary Gillen Colgan, he was predeceased by his first wife, Faustina; sons John G. Colgan, Jr. and Michael K. Colgan. He is survived by son James Q. Colgan, brother Paul P. Colgan, his wife Catherine C. Smyth Colgan and step-daughters Sara (Frank) Jacobs, Martha (Mark) Brophy, Rebecca Smyth and her daughter Joanna Boulton.

An accomplished naval aviator, Captain Jack's 33-year naval career was highlighted by more than 5,000 flight hours and 750 carrier landings while serving in fighter squadrons deployed to the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific oceans; service during the Vietnam War; by staff and student appointments at military and civilian schools of higher learning; by shore duty assignments as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Reserve Unit at Norfolk, VA; as Commanding Officer of [Fighter Squadron 43] (VF-43); as Special Assistant to Chief of Naval Personnel for POW/MIA affairs at the Pentagon and by his final tour as US Naval Attache, U.S. Embassy, Ottawa, Canada.

For his service to his country and to the United States Navy, Captain Jack was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3/SF medals) Department of Defense Joint Commendation, two Navy Commendation (one w/ V) medals, and various other campaign medals.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Jack and Catherine settled down in Virginia Beach. Both have been active in local, state and national politics as well as in civic and community activities. Jack was also very active in local and national Navy organizations and in supporting the naval community.

A memorial service to celebrate Captain Jack's life will take place Thursday, October 19 at 11 AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, 23462. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

Our appreciation goes out to the staff and caregivers at Our Lady of Perpetual Help as well as caregivers Curt Blankenship, Retta Lang and Adrianne Donnelly and his many thoughtful and supportive friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, http://www.alz.org would be welcomed and appreciated.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Oct. 15, 2017

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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 36
Celebrating the life of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 2, 2018

WHEREAS, Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., a beloved husband and father and a respected resident of Virginia Beach who forged an accomplished career as a naval aviator, died on October 12, 2017; and

WHEREAS, John "Jack" G. Colgan was born in 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Saint Joseph's University; and

WHEREAS, a 33-year veteran of the United States Navy, Jack Colgan was a talented pilot who logged over 5,000 flight hours and 750 aircraft carrier landings while serving in fighter squadrons in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Pacific on board the USS Princeton, USS Boxer, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk, and USS Forrestal; and

WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished Navy career, Jack Colgan brought his leadership skills to posts around the globe; he served during the Vietnam War, held staff appointments at military and civilian schools, and acted as commanding officer of the Naval Air Reserve unit in Norfolk and of the Navy fighter squadron VF-43; and

WHEREAS, Jack Colgan also served as special assistant to the chief of naval personnel for POW/MIA affairs at the Pentagon; during his final deployment, he acted as a Navy attaché at the United States Embassy in Ottawa, Canada; and

WHEREAS, Jack Colgan received numerous honors for his service to his country, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, a Department of Defense Joint Commendation, and two Navy Commendations; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement from the Navy, Jack Colgan worked in the commercial space industry and as a member of a consulting firm; he settled in Virginia Beach, where he was active in civic and community affairs and armed forces organizations, including the Military Officers Association of America and the Association of Naval Aviation; and

WHEREAS, known for his warm personality and rich sense of humor, Jack Colgan loved sports and was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football team; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Faustina, and sons, John and Michael, Jack Colgan will be fondly remembered by his wife, Catherine; his son, James; his stepdaughters, Sara, Martha, and Rebecca, and their families; and countless other family members, colleagues, and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., a dedicated veteran who selflessly served his country and the Virginia Beach community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
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