Shane Thatcher Colby

Shane Thatcher Colby, age 21, of Newark, DE, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on Friday, October 17, 2014. Born in Newark, Delaware on March 14, 1993, Shane was a son of Craig W. Colby and Nanci A. Prisco Colby. He was an inspiring young man who was a graduate of Saint Mark’s High School (2011) and Newark Charter School (2007). He dedicated many hours as a team member at COSI. Like his dad, Shane was a former wrestler and ranked second in his weight class when he wrestled at Saint Mark’s. He was well known for his incredible passion for exotic reptiles, amphibians, coral, and aquatic creatures and loved taking expeditions to the shore to search for interesting sea life. He spent countless hours researching information that allowed him to create the perfect ecosystems for his pets. His sense of humor and adventurous spirit allowed him to develop many friendships. From a very young age, Shane had an unusual entrepreneurial spirit, and developed several creative business ventures such as a gum ball vending business and a pet breeding and re-sale business. He had just aced his commercial real estate exam and had plans to start a business with his brother, Tyler. When he wasn’t caring for his pets or working, Shane could often be found at the gym lifting weights. His dog Ote was often at his side or hidden in his hoodie, he loved her as his daughter. His beautiful blue eyes and passionate spirit will be remembered always. Shane was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sara Charlotte Colby. He is survived by his parents, Nanci A. Colby of Newark, DE and Craig W. Colby of Landenberg, PA; his stepmother, Krista; brothers Tyler and Dylan; his sister, Emma; maternal grandparents, Lynn and Mike Prisco of Brick, NJ; paternal grandfather, William L. Colby of Southampton, NJ; aunts and uncles Michael and Janette Colby of Southampton, NJ, Marc Prisco of Brick, NJ, Tony and Dina Prisco of Holmdel, NJ, and Robert and Cathleen Gouveia of Tiburon, CA, as well as many cousins. Shane also left behind his countless pets, including his beloved dog, Ote. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Thursday evening, October 23, 2014 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday morning, October 24, 2014, at the Life Community Church, 750 Otts Chapel Rd, Newark, DE. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rainforest Foundation, 180 Varick Street, Suite 528, New York, NY 10014 or by visiting www.rainforestfoundation.org.