Obituary of William J. "Bill" Collis

Troy- William J. Collis, 91, of 85 Bloomingrove Drive, Troy, NY passed away on Friday, April 25, 2014. Born on June 5, 1922 to the late William J. and Margaret Curran Collis in Cohoes where he was raised and lived locally for most of his life. Bill was a graduate of CBA, class of 1940. He also attended RPI and in 1948 graduated from Colgate University. He was employed as a health care professional working for several pharmaceutical companies as well as for the State of New York. Bill was most proud of his military service being a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1942 to 1945. He was a Scout/Observer and Heavy Machine Gun Crewman with Recon Platoon, Headquarters Company, 24th Marines. He saw combat against enemy forces at Roi Namur, Saipan and Tinian before being sent back to the United States to attend Officer Candidate School just prior to his unit landing on Iwo Jima. For his honorable service, Bill was awarded: The Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 3 bronze stars, The WWII Victory Medal, The Presidential Unit Citation with 1 bronze star and the Combat Action Ribbon. Bill was a life member of The Troy Detachment, Marine Corps League, The Fourth Marine Division Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an endowment Life Member of the National Rifle Association and a Life Member of The West Albany Rod and Gun Club. Bill was a Marine, first and foremost. He was an Honorary Commandant of The Troy Detachment, MCL and was on its shooting team for many years. In his younger years he was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. Bill was also awarded the Col. Robert Craner Service Medal by the City of Cohoes. Bill leaves behind many friends that he cultivated throughout the years especially Tim and Donna Forbes as well as Art Burt. He is also survived by a dear cousin, Sister Marilyn Feehan, CSJ of Latham, NY. Bill will be reposing in the Chapel of the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th St.) Lansingburgh on Friday morning, May 2, 2014 beginning at 10 Am until the time of the funeral service at 11AM. Interment will immediately follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon - Saratoga National Cemetery. Special thanks to the staff of the Van Rensselaer Manor, C Wing-First Floor for their love support and compassion shown to Bill during his stay there. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bill's memory to the Residents Council of Van Rensselaer Manor, 85 Bloomingrove Drive, Troy, NY 12180. Calling Hour 10:00 am - 11:00 am Friday, May 2, 2014 Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States Funeral Service 11:00 am - 11:45 am Friday, May 2, 2014 Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States Interment 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Friday, May 2, 2014 Gerald B.H. Solomon - Saratoga National Cemetery 200 Duell Road Schuylerville, New York, United States 12871