Paul R. Collier, 60

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Paul Raymond Collier, 60, of North Adams died at his home on March 16, 2018.  

Born in North Adams on June 3, 1957 to Raymond and Jessie (Cardinal) Collier, he attended schools in North Adams and was a 1976 graduate of Drury High School. Upon graduation, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard. Paul was employed by Pepsi Cola for over 34 years. He was well known in the community for his friendly demeanor or for being the “Pepsi Guy.” He loved his job, talking to his friends and co-workers in the stores he was working in.

Paul was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, kayaking and spending time in his yard. One of Paul’s greatest accomplishments was achieving sobriety, which he worked hard at for the past four years. He had a close knit group of friends that supported him.

He is survived by his wife Beth and daughter Hannah of North Adams; son Paul of Valrico of Florida; sister Margaret and brother-in-law Steven McDonald of San Bernardino, Calif.; mother- and father-in-law, Kathy and Norman Gazaille of Florida; brother and sister-in-law Brock and Lisa Gazaille; his niece and godchild Christa Collier; nieces Colleen McDonald and Kate Rivera; nephew Scott McDonald; stepbrother, Steven Koloski of San Diego, Calif.; and two stepsisters, Pat Jolly and Sandi Loomis of Vermont.

He also leaves his two dogs, Duke and Mia, who adored him for all the love and treats he was not supposed to, but always gave them.

He is predeceased by his mother, Jessie (Cardinal) Collier Koloski; father Raymond Collier; and brother, Bruce Collier, all of whom passed away in 2015; nephew Matthew Collier who passed away in 1990; and his good friend Roland Mineau, passed who passed away in 2012. 

Paul was the center of the family and there for his family members without question. He will be missed more than one can imagine.

Funeral notice: Funeral services to celebrate the life of Paul Collier will take place Thursday, March 22, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, Mass. 

Calling hours are Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Burial will take in the spring at the family plot in Southview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Giorgi Summer Basketball League or the Berkshire Humane Society through the funeral home.