Colin Kelly Ducolon died at the Arbors in Shelburne on July 14, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1942, and grew up in Enosburg Falls, Vt. He was named after the famous World War II pilot Colin Kelly.
He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, his master’s degree from University of Maryland and his doctorate from University of Massachusetts.
Colin taught for 40 years at Champlain College, first in the early childhood program and then later in elementary and high school education. He enjoyed both teaching in the college classroom and working with student teachers at local schools. He served on the Burlington School Board for 10 years. Through his teaching, he has touched many lives and inspired many future educators.
He was married to his dear friend, Beth Ducolon, for 55 years, with whom he enjoyed travel and conversations on their back porch. Along with his wife, he leaves his daughter, Cora Ducolon, who was inspired by him to be a teacher, and his son-in-law, Uri Harel, of Newburyport, Mass.; his brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Mary Ducolon, of St. Albans, Vt.; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Joan Ducolon, of Swanton, Vt; and his sister-in-law, Martha Beatty, of South Burlington, Vt. His niece, Tammy Rudden, and her husband, John, of Georgia, Vt., were especially kind during his later years. He is dearly missed by all who knew him.
Colin spent many summers at their second home in Essex, N.Y. He loved antiques and sold them at the Summer Shop Antiques in Essex, and he was a member of the Vermont Antique Dealers Association. He also loved gardening and had beautiful gardens in both his Burlington and Essex homes. In the summers, he often could be found planting and pulling weeds at Horsford Gardens & Nursery in Charlotte. Swimming in Lake Champlain or walking on a Florida beach brought him lots of pleasure regardless of how cold the water was. Like his mother, Sadie, he loved baking raspberry pies and making chocolate caramel bark at Christmas.
Colin is remembered for his generous heart and his infectious smile. When a friend, family member, colleague or student was in need, he showed up for them unconditionally and supported them through hard times.
A special thanks to friends at Christ Church Presbyterian and the caring staff at the Arbors in Shelburne.
A private celebration of Colin’s life will be held at the end of the summer.
Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through readyfuneral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings.
This article appears in The Connections Issue.