Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Brian COLLIER Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian COLLIER
Pat Marshall
March 16, 2010
Brian and I went to college together at Rider. I was always impressed by his strength of character and his integrity. He was a man we all respected. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Joe Kilmer
March 14, 2010
To Brian's Family,
I was deeply saddened when Tom Landrigan told me the devastating news. Brian was a one-in-a-million kind of guy and had a terrific reputation within the DEA family. He will be missed by all, and I will keep you all in my prayers.
Cathy Muller
March 5, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
March 4, 2010
Dear Liz, Colleen and Gregory,
I'm still in shock about the loss of Brian and words are so difficult to explain my feelings for all of you. Your family was so special to me. When you relocated to San Diego, you included me in so many events and I especially enjoyed baking Christmas cookies. The love Brian had for his family was so overwhelming. He was so proud of all of you and of course, we loved it when Colleen and Gregory would come to the office. I kept the masterpiece drawings done by Colleen and Gregory in my office for years.
Mr. "C" as we called him, was such a breath of fresh air. No matter how difficult the work environment, he always made the "bs" seem unimportant and kept his sense of humor. He always referred to us as "Kid" which was quite funny as some of us were older than Mr. "C". He was always an inspiration to us and will continue as one. If most people had only an iota of his character, the world would be a much better place. I was blessed to have known him.
I know you have an incredibly powerful angel taking care of you now and he's finally at peace. He just couldn't fix everything and I think it was a heavy burden for him.
I love all of you and am sending you my thoughts and prayers. And remember, his love for all of you was always in the forefront of any conversation with him. I am so sorry!
If there is anything I can do for you, Liz, please let me know.
Love,
Belinda Bourecksky
San Diego, CA
Ed Dickey
March 3, 2010
Dear Ms. Collier and Family,
I attended DEA Basic Agent training with Brian in 1983. He was truely the outstanding recruit in Class 28. We have crossed paths and had converstions over the years. It was my pleasure to have known Brian and to consider him a dear friend. Brain always spoke dearly of his family. Brian will always be remembered and respected by the men and women in DEA who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim Mittica
March 3, 2010
I was saddened to hear of the tragic news of Brian's passing. We first met in 1983 when he was one of my students at the Academy. Within a few short weeks it became apparent that Brian was going to be an outstanding student and an exceptional DEA Special Agent. As a student, he was always eager to learn and as a Special Agent, he was always enthusiastic about the job. I had the honor to meet his family at graduation. Brian and I kept in touch sporadically over the years and he continued to come across as a fine man and a loving husband and father.
His family has my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Greg Formica
March 3, 2010
Mrs. Collier and Family,
I've known Brian since he had come to Edison. No words written or said can heal the sorrow and pain you feel. His passing was felt by many. One man who has changed the lives of many. I admired and appreciated his positive energy. He was a great and insightful leader. Brian was the one who really cared. He will be missed by many. I pray for you and for Brian's soul.
Culhane Family
March 3, 2010
Dear Collier Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Fran Hovermann
March 3, 2010
I only had the pleasure of talking to Mr. Collier the end of January/beginning of February of this year and he was always so pleasant and cheerful. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I hope the good memories last you the rest of your lifetime. Rest in Peace. Fran Hovermann, Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office
DiBella Family
March 3, 2010
To the Collier Family,
We are very saddened by this tragedy. Your father will always be in our prayers. His funeral Mass was very touching and we hope those prayers can lift him and all of you up to the Hands of God. Our deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Dr. & Mrs. J. DiBella & Family
Roopal Shah
March 3, 2010
In India there is legend of a prince named Rama who always did the right thing. Rama was educated in spirituality and the art of warfare. He was called upon many times to fight forces of evil. Everyone in the kingdom loved him. His father the king was ready to crown Rama his successor. Family troubles ensued and he was exiled into the forest instead. The story – an Indian epic called the Ramayana – reminds me of Brian . . . because like Rama, Brian stands out as a pillar of valor, virtue, compassion; he had a strong moral compass where ordinary people always mattered.
I met Brian in 2002 when I was a young federal prosecutor in San Diego on a relatively large drug case. Brian’s guidance and support meant the world to me, not simply in a professional context, but in his approach to the world. He called everyone “kid,” but treated us with the utmost respect. He had a senior posting and decades of experience in law enforcement, but listened with humility and kindness. Brian allowed us latitude to test our potential, even at the risk of his own reputation.
When Liz and the family moved out to San Diego, the Collier house was our favorite destination. Listening to Brian tell stories about his days as a police officer was our favorite pastime, since he always highlighted the courage of the officers and the noble sense of camraderie in keeping the peace. You got the feeling that if things ever went wrong, somehow Brian would be there. And through his sheer determination, and way of truth and love, he would make things right.
I know that losing Michelle weighed heavily on Brian and the whole family. And especially for Brian, because he simply did not have the opportunity to swoop in and make things right. I am still trying to make sense of the world and what each of us can do to make life meaningful. Brian’s approach to life and the example of the entire Collier family will continue to serve as inspiration.
I would like to honor Brian’s memory and carry forward his willingness to believe in goodness. Kid, we are gonna miss you, but we know that you are watching over us from wherever you are . . .
With peace, love, and strength,
Rich Oakley (2009)
March 3, 2010
Richard Oakley
March 3, 2010
Dear Collier Family: You have my deepest sympathy. I first met Brian, when he arrived at the DEA Newark, NJ Field Division, in 1983. I had been an agent there since 1974. I immediately took a liking to Brian. I helped him whenever I could. He was a pleasure to work with. He was a great agent. I left Newark, in 1987, and was transferred to San Francisco. I talked to Brian a few times while on the West coast.
I was truly shocked to learn of your loss - numb. He will be sorely missed. You are in my prayers.
God Bless,
The Collier Family
Rich Oakley
Jeanne Weisman
March 2, 2010
I know the kind of man Brian was through his children. I had the pleasure of teaching both Kevin and Colleen at OLM. I came to know Colleen through her friendship with my daughter and her service at St. John's Church. I know Gregory as the polite, quiet boy by his mother's side. Brian nurtured and shaped his children into truly good human beings. His family is his legacy. God holds Brian and Michele in His bosom and the Collier family in the palm of His hand.
Silvana
March 2, 2010
My hero. A great role model. A great father, friend and law enforcement officer. I would follow Brian over any hill, without asking questions...I know he had my back and would die to protect his. He is in God's hands and at peace now. Brian I miss you so much. Gone way too soon. God bless your family. I love you.
Bob & Peg Pokusa
March 2, 2010
Dear Mr. Collier and to all of Brian's family,
Bob and I are deeply, deeply saddened by your loss. We have fond memories of a young man who obviously grew up to make extraordinary contributions during the course of his life. He really made a difference.
With our love, prayers and deepest sympathy
Paula Glicini
March 2, 2010
Dear Collier Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely, Paula Casper-Glicini
March 2, 2010
To Ms. Collier
Hope you feel better and come back soon we miss you!
Period 3 Class
Laurie Buckelew
March 2, 2010
Dear Collier Family, I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. My fond memories of Brian in high school always spotlighted his great sense of humor, and humility. May he rest in peace with his daughter. May God bless and keep you all.
The Gittleman Family
March 2, 2010
Our Sincere thoughts and prayers are with your family. Brian will be missed by many.
Doug & Janet Hebert
March 2, 2010
Dear Collier Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Brian. As a former colleague and friend of Brian; I will always remember his wit and sense of humor. He will be sorely missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers...
Cindy Boccher
March 1, 2010
To the Collier Family:
Our very deepest sympathy to you and your family!! There are no words to express how sad this is!!
Sincerely,
Cindy & Mark Boccher
Justin Mezzadri
March 1, 2010
Hearing the loss of Mr. Collier was like hearing that Superman just died. Brian was a role model, a leader, and would (if he could) spin the Earth backwards to help you out. People like Brian are few and far between. He influenced my life and many others, and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Kevin and the Collier family.
JACK ECCLESTON
March 1, 2010
DEAR DICK
BOTH MARY & I WISH TO ADD OUR PRAYERS DURNING THIS TIME OF YOUR LOSS
JACK & MARY ECCLESTON
March 1, 2010
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. Mr. Collier was truly a great man. He was loved and respected by many. May he rest in peace with his daughter. To Mrs. Collier, Kevin, Colleen, and Greg, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Always know that there so many people who love you all and will be there for you guys. Take comfort in the fact that Mr. Collier is now in God's hands and is at peace. Stay strong<3
Rick and Gay Xavier
March 1, 2010
Liz, Kevin, Colleen and Greg,
We have such fun memories of Brian here in San Diego. He was so full of energy! We remember one night in particular when we were at your house and Brian decided to take the kids on a "short" hike before dinner. Two hours later, here comes Brian with all our kids straggling behind him, carrying Lucas and everyone was too tired to eat. His laugh and gentleness will be what we will always remember about him. We hold you in our hearts and send love and strength for the loss of a wonderful man.
Lucas Xavier
March 1, 2010
Dear Greg and Collier family,
I remember when you use to live in San Diego and how I always used to go over to your house. I miss you guys so much and my prayers and thoughts will be with you and Mr. Collier.
Frank & Alina Lupo
March 1, 2010
Dear Collier Family,
At this time of great loss, please know that even those of us whose lives were touched by Brian for a only a short while also feel your grief. He was someone who was very memorable and did a lot of good. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Bless you all.
Diana Grassi-Grossman
March 1, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Lisa Crystall
March 1, 2010
I was blessed to know Brian through the DEA Task Force. He not only was always wonderful to work with, but he taught me so much. I am grateful for the time I spent working with him and his kindness. I am so very sorry for your loss, it is our loss too..the community which held him in such high regard. My deepest sympathy to all as my heart goes out to you.
Lisa(Giacobbe)Crystall
Rocco Miscia
March 1, 2010
Dear Collier Family,
We at the Essex County College Police Academy are at a loss for words at this sad news. Brian meant so much to the law enforcement family. His knowledge and quick-witted humor will be missed. We are praying for your family.
Vernon June
March 1, 2010
I am so sad to hear about Brian. He was friend and helped evryone. My deepest sympathy to Liz and the family
Tom Lyons
March 1, 2010
I knew Brain when we were both assigned to the FBI Academy at Quantico. He was always a positive person and very supportive of his DEA people and those of us in the FBI as well. He kept in touch with me after his transfer and my retirement and I always enjoyed his calls. I'm sorry for this loss to his family about whom he always spoke with hope and love. Please accept my condolences.
Tom Lyons, FBI (ret.).
March 1, 2010
Dear Mr. Collier and Family,
Words cannot express the deep sense of loss. I will never forget Brian's quirky smile, nor his gentle kindness and vivacious personality.
Both Brian and your Family will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Remember, I am always here for you.
With my deepest sympathy,
Kim Garabo/Scavo
Laura Gennaro
March 1, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy Brewer
March 1, 2010
Dearest Colliers~
I send my love, my prayers and any support that I can give you. In all our flawed humanity, God embraces us unconditionally. You now have a third unflawed angel to embrace you. You also have so many of us to turn to. Please do.
love,
Brian's cousin
Kathleen Schweizer Brewer
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Brian COLLIER's name
Memorial Events
for Brian COLLIER
How to support Brian'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
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 moreWays to honor Brian 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
