George "Norm" Collet

George "Norm" Collet, 78, of Clifton Knolls, died on Sunday, October 4, 2009, at home, after a brief but valiant battle with his illness, returning home to his Heavenly Father. Born in New Bedford, MA, on May 10, 1931, son of the late George and Lillian (Barrette) Collet, Norm was a 1949 graduate of St. Anthony High School and earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of MA at Dartmouth in mechanical engineering. Norm also served in the Massachusetts National Guard for ten years, retiring as a master sergeant. Following graduation, Norm worked for Hamilton Standard on the Space System at Cape Canaveral and participated in the launch of the first monkey into space. In 1969, Norm began his career with GE in Schenectady in the gas turbine power systems. He traveled extensively to Japan and the Middle East with emphasis on developing the Model "F" series gas turbines. While working in Schenectady, he was the principal engineer for Requisition Engineering & Advanced Senior Services Engineering and technical support leader. In 1991, Norm transferred to Greenville, SC, where he served as customer requisition manager. He was deeply involved with the application of the GE Model 9F gas turbine and its integration into the most advanced Combined Cycle power plant in the world at that time for Tokyo Electric Power Company's Yokohama facility. Upon his retirement in 1994, Norm returned to Clifton Park and served as a consultant for GE for several years. Norm was a volunteer for GE's Rehab lab, a member of the Quarter Century Club, the Elfun Society, and an election inspector for Saratoga County. He loved golf, skiing, bowling, and sports of all kinds. Most of all he loved traveling around the world with his wife, Maureen. His bags were always packed for another adventure. The latest being a trip to Israel and the Holy Land in March where they were able to renew their marriage vows in Cana. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Maureen (Colangione) Collet; his daughter, Norma Roath of Denver, CO; his sons, Christopher (Linda) Collet of Clifton Park and Todd (Rachel) Collet, Sr. of Waterford; along with two sisters, Jeanne (Joseph) Marshall and Diane Allaine both of Florida; six grandchildren, Alexandra and Maxwell Roath, Amanda, Jennifer, Rachel Collet and Todd Collet, Jr.; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Norm was predeceased by his brother, Leonard; and his sister, Louise L'Heuruex. The family wishes to convey their sincere thanks to Dr. Boris Spector and Dr. Charles Weissman of NYOH, Seton Home Health Services and Community Hospice of Saratoga for their exceptional and compassionate care, especially Vicky, Jo Anne, Wendy, Donna, Kelly and Kathy, as well as to the countless friends who visited during his illness, you all know who you are. Funeral services will be Thursday at 9 a.m. the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rte. 32), Waterford, and at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Waterford. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga, NY 12866 or St. Mary's Restoration Fund, in care of the funeral home office.