Robert Collier

Robert Collier, 95

East Greenbush - Robert Collier, 95, died Monday, January 26, 2009 at Evergreen Commons after a long illness. Born in Troy, he was son of the late John Roy Collier and Gertrude (Williams) Collier and husband of the late Lois Sarah (Fletcher) Collier. They were married on August 13, 1937, spent the first years of his married life on Long Island and settled in Watervliet in 1945. He loved the Adirondacks and had a summer home in Pottersville. He was a 1931 graduate of Troy High School and Salutatorian, earned his Bachelors of Science degree from RPI in 1935 and his Masters of Science from NYS Teachers College in Albany.

Mr Collier taught at Westbury High School, Long Island from 1937-1945, at Watervliet High School from 1945-1955, received his NYS Teacher's Certificate in 1948, Counselor's Certificate in 1958 and Principal's Certificate in 1956. In 1955, he became a Guidance Counselor and later Vice Principal retiring from Watervliet High School in 1972. He will be long remembered for his patient guidance and dedication to his students.

Active in the community, he was President of the Watervliet Teachers Association, President of Delta Club, a member of the Board of Directors of the Watervliet Civic Center, a member of the NYS Teachers Association and the National Education Association and an active member and Elder of Jermain Memorial Presbyterian Church in Watervliet for many years. He spent many hours researching and writing the 100 year history, 1872-1972, of Jermain Church which is valued by many.

Survivors include two daughters, Carole Ann (Ron Neaton) Akots of Latham and Barbara (Ernest) Walton of Schenectady; a son, Richard Arthur Collier of Latham; three grandchildren, John Karl (Debi) Akots, Keith Robert Akots and Michael David (Karen) Walton; three great grandchildren, Hannah Margaret Akots, Madison Kayla Akots and Ava Grace Walton; a sister-in-law, Bertha Collier and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, William N. Collier and John R. Collier Jr.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at 11AM at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 PM.

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy.

Contributions may be made in memory of Robert Collier to the Jermain Memorial Presbyterian Church or the Troy Public Library.

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