Search by Name

Search by Name

Frank Collyer Obituary

Frank F. Collyer III

ITHACA - Frank F. Collyer III passed away on March 31, 2014.

Frank made full use of his 90 years. His life started in the lower Hudson Valley where he spent many hours ice boating and sailing on the Hudson River when not in school. He next enrolled at Cornell as a member of the class of 1945. This became the class of 1948 after he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he spent 3 years as a fighter pilot based in Iwo Jima. Upon returning to Cornell, he married Mary Louise Doughty, joined the Chi Phi fraternity and rowed for the Cornell Heavyweight crew.

After Graduation, he and Mary Louise headed for Schenectady to work for GE as a turbine engineer. Then came three children - Jim, Carol and Priscilla. Mary Louise met an untimely death that left Frank a single parent - no easy job when working full time.

When his career in industry ended, Frank returned to Ithaca to become a stock broker. He met and married Barbara Durland who joined him in enjoying Cornell events - always following Cornell crew with ice hockey not far behind. He joined the Country Club of Ithaca and City Club and spent many hours volunteering at Cayuga Medical Center and the Village of Cayuga Heights.

Frank is survived by his sister, Marguerite Spratt; his children Jim, Carol and Priscilla Schmidt and three granddaughters - Katherine, Chesney and Georgia.

Good job and well done, Frank.

A memorial celebration is planned for late June.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank's honor may be made to Cornell Crew, Cayuga Medical Center or the charity of one's choice.

Published by Poughkeepsie Journal on Apr. 3, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Collyer

Not sure what to say?





Inspiration to read about a man who gave throughout his life. For his country. To his community. A very rare breed not often found today.

Brian C DeYoung

March 26, 2024

I am the daughter of Anna Huttar MacDonald. Frank and Mom were at Cornell together. I have old photos I'd like to pass on. He came and saw her at the Cornell reunions. It was sweet. [email protected]

Laurie Randall

December 30, 2014

To the entire Collyer family (Jim, Carol, Priscilla, and Barbara) our sincere condolences. Frank was an admired uncle of mine. I especially admired how he was always looking out for his little sister, my mother! I'm glad I had the opportunity to spend some time with him and my mother last July to relive some family history. He will be missed by the many people his life touched.

Rick Spratt

April 7, 2014

FRANK YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO US.

TERRY & DAN MAYES

April 4, 2014

FRANK YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDFUL FRIEND. TERRY & DAN

April 4, 2014

FRANK WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND WONDERFUL PERSON. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH EVERYONE. TERRY & DAN

April 4, 2014

Saying good bye to such a talented special man! He touched so many lives, he will be greatly missed!!

Bernie & Shawn

April 3, 2014

Our prayers are with you all-many fond memories.
Hugh and Stacy

April 3, 2014

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Frank Collyer's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Frank Collyer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Frank's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Frank Collyer's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more