RICHARD COLLIER

Richard (Dick)

W. Collier

Richard (Dick) W. Collier, age 74, passed away at home on May 5, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 12, 1934, in Magnolia, TX. Dick was the son of the late William C. Collier and Violet A. Collier. At the age of five, upon the death of his father, the family moved to Kennett Square, PA, where he spent his youth. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1953. Dick entered the U.S. Army in 1957 and served two years in Whittier, AK. After his release from active duty, he married Barbara A. Stark on August 8, 1959. They were blessed with 2 children, Richard Jr. and Kathryn. Dick and Barbara would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 8th. Dick was a past member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, PA. Dick retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1991 after 30 years of service. He later worked part-time at Carmen Ford as a shuttle driver as he enjoyed meeting people and declared it was the best part-time job he ever had. His many hobbies included organ playing, sports, art, crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He became a Phillies and Eagles fan in 1948. He played baseball; fast and slow pitch, and softball in local leagues. He retired from slow pitch softball at age 53. Dick and his wife also loved to travel and had visited all 50 states.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Rick and his wife, Sandi of Smyrna, DE; daughter, Kathy Brittingham and her husband, Joe of Elkton, MD; and four grandchildren: Nikki Collier, Kelly, Julie and Jeff Brittingham. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas F. Collier and his wife, Rosemarie of New Castle, DE; sister, Mary E. Morris of Wallingford, PA; 2 sisters-in-law, Anne Collier of Wilmington and Lela Collier of Hermiston, OR; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and to Delaware Hospice.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 in the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702 from 10-11 am followed by a service in celebration of Dick's life at 11 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713. For directions or to express an online condolence, please visit, www.strano-feeley.com.

Strano & Feeley Family

Funeral Home & Crematory

302-731-5459