Raymond F. Collier, 87
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Raymond F. Collier, 87, of Barbour Street died on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.
Born in North Adams on March 19, 1928, a son of Raymond and Dorothy Volkmer Collier, he attended schools in North Adams and graduated from Drury High School, where he was a member of the band. He graduated from the University of Boston with a music degree.
Mr. Collier was employed by the former Sprague Electric Co. for many years and then for IBM as a manager in Burlington, Vt., from 1966 to 1980. He returned to North Adams in 1985.
He enjoyed camping, golf, music and spending time with family and friends. Being an accomplished musician, he played saxophone in several local bands as well as bands in Burlington.
His wife, the former Barbara Woodard, whom he married on Aug. 27, 1965, died on Aug. 24, 2011.
He leaves his former wife, Jessie Koloski of San Bernardino, Calif.; a son, Paul Collier and his wife, Beth, of North Adams; a daughter, Margaret McDonald and her husband, Steven of San Bernardino; two stepdaughters, Sandra Loomis and her husband, Bernard, of North Bennington, Vt., and Patricia Joly and her husband, Raymond, of Woodford, Vt.; six grandchildren, Christa Collier and her husband, Travis Dupont, of Adams, Paul Collier of Ruskin, Fla., Hanna Collier of North Adams, Scott McDonald and Katie Rivera, both of California, and Colleen McDonald of North Adams; four stepgrandchildren, Edward Bushee of Balston Lake, N.Y., Brian Bushee of Bennington, Vt., R.J. Joly of Pownal, Vt., and Melissa Crawford of Woodford; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle, Benjamin, Isabella, Alyssa, Wyatt, Jesse, Emma and Gavin and his eight stepgreat grandchildren, Alexandra, Emalie, Jack, Benjamin, Garrett, Reagan, Colby and Colton.
Mr. Collier was predeceased by his son Bruce Collier and grandson Matthew Collier.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr. Collier will be held on Wednesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 512 West Main St., North Adams, with burial to follow in the Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday morning from 9 until the time of the service. Memorial donations can be made to Berkshire County Kid's Place through the funeral home.