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- H. John Zuidema Colt1923 - 2010
- W. Winifred Deil (add)
Facts and Events
References
- John Zuidema Colt, 87, of Williamsville, died Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at Millard Fillmore Hospital.
Mr. Colt was born in 1923 in Lancaster. He attended Lafayette High School, the Navy V5 training program at Union College and the University of North Carolina. He graduated from the University of Buffalo as a mechanical engineer.
He enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater as a pilot. His most notable battle was at Okinawa. One time he had to make a forced landing on an island occupied by the enemy. He repaired the plane and then flew it and his crew safely back to their fleet.
He was hired by Bell Aerospace as a test engineer. He eventually became known as the “tank specialist.” He worked on many Air Force and NASA space programs, including previously unknown flight radar altimeters.
Later, he managed the Bell “Modeltown” rocket engine test center in Lewiston.
He worked there for 36 years.
Mr. Colt was a lifelong member of the Westside Rowing Club and the National & Erie chapters of the Antique Automobile Clubs.
He owned a Pierce Arrow built in Buffalo in 1928. He fully restored it twice and drove it proudly for 50 years.
He also served on the Board of Deacons at North Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Colt is survived by his wife, Winifred; son, John Jr.; daughters, Kathleen Colt, Debora Colt and Nancy Hart; five grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at North Presbyterian Church, 300 North Forest Road, Williamsville.
Arrangements were made by Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home.
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