Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Norman Collier Obituary
Feb. 17, 1947 - Feb. 24, 2019
San Jose
Norman B. Collier, age 72, passed away peacefully in his San Jose home on Sunday, February 24. Norman was born on February 17, 1947 in Grafton, West Virginia to Robert Dixon Collier and Dora Mae Bragg. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1965. Norman proudly served his country as a Marine from 1966-70. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He then graduated from Fairmont State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
On August 7, 1978, he married Joyce Golden in Oakland, Maryland. In 1981 while living in Fairmont, West Virginia, their daughter Rachel was born. Norman worked as a Mechanical Engineer for FMC which moved the family to San Jose, California in 1983. Norman continued working for FMC later BAE Systems for 34 years. Norman received his MBA at the University of Phoenix while working to support his family. In 1984, Norman and Joyce welcomed their son, Ben.
During retirement Norman enjoyed traveling with his wife, growing heirloom tomatoes, and spending time with his basset hound, Rocket. Norman became a mentor for Santa Teresa High School's Robotics Team. He was a Board Member for the Rancho Santa Teresa Swim & Racquet Club serving as President for several years. There, he founded the Friday Senior Group where he enjoyed spending time with friends.
Norman will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce, son, Ben, daughter, Rachel Schmidt, son-in-law, John Schmidt, grandson, Ramone Schmidt and sister, Patricia Lannan.
Family, friends are invited to: Visitation held Sunday, March 10, 1- 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. Oak Hill Cemetery - Room E. Graveside Service on Monday, March 11, 2 p.m. San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery 32503 McCabe Rd. Santa Nella, CA 95322. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Society at www.jdrf.org.
View the online memorial for Norman Collier
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Collier
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
April 6, 2019
Joyce,
My condolences to you and your family. Norm was such a nice man and fun member of our water aerobics class. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Deana Genereux
Kristie and Don Rogers
March 3, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Norm's unexpected passing. Our love goes out to Joyce and the family. Don and I will miss Norm's stories, his humor, and his down home personality.
Julie Fitch
March 2, 2019
Joyce I'm so very sorry to hear that your dear husband passed. I always enjoyed hanging out with the two of you in the adult pool at the club. We always had great conversation about life. . My heart goes out to you and your family. Love and hugs Julie (aka work at KP)
KEITH COLLIER
March 1, 2019
I LOST A COUSIN, FORMER NEIGHBOR, BUT MOSTLY I LOST A VERY TRUSTWORTHY FRIEND IN NORM.........WE GREW UP ACROSS THE STREET FROM EACH OTHER IN GRAFTON WV...........NORMAN'S MOM (TOBY) AND MY MOTHER (DOROTHY) ALSO GREW UP TOGETHER AND WERE VERY CLOSE..........ALSO MY FATHER AND NORMAN'S
DAD WERE COUSINS AND FISHED ALOT TOGETHER...........ILL MISS THIS GUY............IM 6MOS OLDER...........WE SHARED MY LAUGHS TOGETHER AND ILL MISS THAT........SEE YA - BOOKE ----WE LOVED YOU VERY MUCH.
The Fennell Family
February 28, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. May God give the strength and comfort needed at this most difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences. Psalm 147:3.
February 28, 2019
May fond memories of your loved one stay with you always.
CD
February 28, 2019
Don Toothman
February 28, 2019
My wife, Kim, is Norman's niece, and I got to know Norman, Joyce, Rachel, and Ben while we lived in San Francisco in the mid 1980's. My rememberances of Norman are that he was soft spoken, sweet, but direct (like his mom, Toby, whom I adored), a true family man (that along with his work was his universe), a patriot (he loved his work, some of which I took to be classified, and was devoted to his country), still a West Virginian at heart. In later years, diabetes sadly took its toll. I know he will be so missed by Joyce, Rachel, Ben, his sister Pat, and Kim, among others. I wish I had had more opportunity to spend more time with him.
February 28, 2019
So truly sorry for your loss. May God strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.
February 28, 2019
Those who pass on God keep in his memory because he cares for them sorry for your loss.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Norman Collier's name
Memorial Events
for Norman Collier
How to support Norman's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
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 moreWays to honor Norman Collier's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
