Robert J. Collier, 64, of Newtown, Passed Away Unexpectedly

NEWTOWN, CT — Robert J. Collier, 64, of Newtown, CT, passed away unexpectedly in his home on September 27. Bob was born in Teaneck, NJ on November 29, 1951 to the late Richard Collier and Catherine Gillen Collier.

Bob was a true family man. He was the loving husband of Mary Beth Heagney Collier for 39 years; an amazing father to James, Caitlin and her husband, Keith, Kelly and her partner, Nick, Moira, and Connor; and the extremely proud grandfather to Harper, Robert, and Joseph. He was the dear brother of the late Richard and Brian Collier. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Janet and Elizabeth Collier and many nieces and nephews. Bob was a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School (1969), Boston College (BS, 1973) and Fairfield University (MBA, 1996).

A gifted athlete, Bob was in both the Boston College and Old Gold Rugby Halls of Fame, played for the US Rugby and Brine lacrosse teams, and coached lacrosse at both Boston College and Harvard University. In his later years, he proudly completed one Big Sur and four NYC Marathons. Bob's old teammates remember him for his relentless passion, determination, humor, and brute strength – qualities which certainly served him throughout his courageous battle with Guillain Barre Syndrome over the past five years.

A Project Executive at IBM for 38 years, one of his proudest undertakings was his instrumental management of a public safety initiative to help secure NYC in the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Despite long working hours and exhausting commutes, he was present for every meaningful moment of his children's lives.

Bob has touched many lives and will always be remembered for his selflessness, generosity and compassion. He lived for putting a smile on other's faces, even in his most trying of times. The dignity and joy he had despite all he endured was one of the greatest life lessons he taught us all. In his humility, he probably never realized what a shining example he was.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT, on Saturday October 1st. Interment followed at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Newtown, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Bob's name to The Catholic Worker, 36 East First Street, New York, NY, 10003 or The Dorothy Day Hospitality House, 11 Spring Street, Danbury, CT, 06810.