Robert J. Collier, 64, of Newtown died unexpectedly in his home on September 27. Mr Collier was born in Teaneck, N.J., on November 29, 1951, to the late Catherine Gillen Collier and Richard Collier.

Mr Collier was a true family man. He was the loving husband of Mary Beth Collier for 39 years; an amazing father to James, Caitlin and her husband, Keith, Kelly and her partner, Nick, Moira, and Connor; and the extremely proud grandfather to Harper, Robert, and Joseph. He was the dear brother of the late Richard and Brian Collier.

Mr Collier was a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School (1969), Boston College (Bachelor of Science, 1973) and Fairfield University (Master of Business Administration, 1996). A gifted athlete, Mr Collier was in both the Boston College and Old Gold Rugby Halls of Fame, played for the US Rugby and Brine lacrosse teams, and coached lacrosse at both Boston College and Harvard University. In his later years, he proudly completed one Big Sur and four New York City Marathons. Mr Collier's old teammates remember him for his relentless passion, determination, humor, and brute strength - qualities which certainly served him throughout his courageous battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome over the past five years.

A project executive at IBM for 38 years, one of his proudest undertakings was his instrumental management of a public safety initiative to help secure New York City in the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Despite long working hours and exhausting commutes, he was present for every meaningful moment of his children's lives.

Mr Collier touched many lives and will always be remembered for his selflessness, generosity, and compassion. He lived for putting a smile on others' faces, even in his most trying of times. The dignity and joy he had despite all he endured was one of the greatest life lessons he taught all. In his humility, he probably never realized what a shining example he was.

The family will receive their relatives and friends at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Friday, September 30, from 4 to 8 pm.

The family will gather with their family and friends for the Funeral Mass at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Saturday, October 1, at 9:30 am. Interment will follow at St Rose of Lima Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Catholic Worker, 36 East First Street, New York NY 10003 or The Dorothy Day Hospitality House, 11 Spring Street, Danbury CT 06810.