Melvin E. Colby

Melvin Edward Colby 92, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at the Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence on April 11, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving wife Barbara Colby and many family members after a long and well-lived life. 

Melvin was born in Gay Head (Aquinnah) Massachusetts on August 16, 1933. He was a proud member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah. He was the devoted spouse of Barbara Colby and a loving father and grandfather. He moved to Rhode Island where he graduated from Hope High School and went on to serve in the US Navy on the U.S.S Everglades and the U.S.S Strong battleships. After his service he moved to Danbury, Connecticut where he owned and operated several small businesses, including a diner and a dry cleaner, Mel’s Cleaners. Melvin then returned to Rhode Island to take over the operations of his family business, a retail clothing shop in downtown Providence that sold country and western gear. Several years later, he returned to both the dry cleaning and restaurant business. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed a part-time job driving for Enterprise Auto and knew every road in the state by heart. 

Melvin was known for his great laugh and sense of humor, never forgetting anyone’s name. He loved sports, reading, and going on adventures with Barbara. He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Eric Colby and Heidi Fee, stepchildren Debbi and Loraine White, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.