William Harry Collier

William H. Collier died Saturday, June 1, 2024, at home with his loving family. He was 78 years old.
William was born in Newark, NJ on July 18, 1945, son to the late Margaret Collier (Granville) and Gerald Collier. He resided in South Orange, NJ before moving to Iselin, NJ at the age of 7.
He graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1963. During his tenure at WHS, he earned all-county, all-state status in pole vaulting and hurdles. He received his bachelor's degree in engineering from Kean University in Union, NJ.
Bill had a successful career as a Mechanical Engineer. He designed and built automated assembly machines in many fields and in many companies including but not limited to RCA, Wagner and Thomas and Betts.
Bill retired from Thomas and Betts in Irvine, CA in 2007 and relocated to Sarasota, Florida. His love of engineering sparked a return to work, and he opened a consulting business for 10 years. Once again, needing to fill a creative void, he built a workshop in his garage. His creativeness was boundless, and he designed and built a mini pick and place machine.
For the last three years, Bill went to work part time at Home Depot making keys. His title was the "key man" and his co-worker's felt he was a key employee. Bill's endearing personality and quick wit was enjoyed by everyone. He always had a joke to share, and he would keep everyone in stitches.
In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, early morning walks and listening to music, mainly jazz. He also loved yard work. He was a big fan of West Point Military Academy and attended many of their football games. "Go Army Beat Navy".
Bill is survived by his wife, Joy Collier, his daughter, Lynn Arcello, his two sons, Gerald Collier and John Collier and their wives, Terri Collier and Carmelinda Collier. He said he was blessed with five amazing grandchildren, Johnny Arcello, Jerry Jude Collier, Casey Collier, Jake Collier and Carly Collier.
There will be a funeral service on June 10, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 North Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236.
Office 941-955-4171
1:00 p.m. Cemetery Service: Robert Toale and Sons at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232
2:30 p.m. Repast at Joy and Lynn Collier, 4430 Diamond Circle, Sarasota, FL 34233