Charles Collett

Charles Raymond Collett, of Bronxville NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, friends and love. He bravely fought to stay with his family for 5 years after his initial COVID diagnosis in October 2020 which left him with significant health challenges and disabilities. He persevered in the way he lived life with humor, grace and faith. He was born September 30, 1941 to Raymond Edward Collett and Mary Beatrice DeMars. He graduated from St Ambrose University and went on to earn master degrees in education and business from Columbia University and Iona University. Charlie began his career as a classroom teacher in the Bronx and eventually ended it in central NYC BOE administration leading the technology division. Charlie taught many in and out of the classroom. He was a mentor and taught about life, financial planning, history, cooking, gardening and golf. He loved to cook and entertain family and friends from homemade pizza and pasta to paella. He would cook with love and pair each meal with the perfect bottle of wine. Golf was a passion, and he would love to tell the stories of his two hole-in-one shots. He was a great storyteller, had a wicked sense of humor and was a true humanitarian. He treated everyone with respect and decency. He fought for what he believed in, and he was passionate about his family. He led by example and believed in giving back, building community and demonstrated this through his volunteer work as a school board trustee for the Tuckahoe Union Free School District, religious education teacher at St Joseph's. Charlie was an incredible father, husband, uncle, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed and is survived by his wife Mary Jane Collett (Rigotti), children Therese Francesca Gardere, Elizabeth Jayne Collett (William McGuirk), Jennifer Marie Collett (Alex Myrthil) and his grandchildren Matthew, Olivia, Jack and Mary as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews and many friends.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations are made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Please click here for link: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital