WORCESTER – Delbert E. Collis, 83, went to be with the Lord after a sudden illness on Thursday, December 3, 2009.



Del was born on February 24, 1926 in East Herkimer, the youngest son of Ralph and Arline (Hammes) Collis.



He trained to be a pilot while serving in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.



Upon graduating with a teaching degree in business from Hartwick College in 1950, Del began his teaching profession in Worcester Central School. He then took a position in Bethlehem Central School in Delmar, after which he worked as an Administrator for Mount Pleasant High School. After a 30 year career, Del retired from Chenango/Delaware Boces in Norwich where he was a superintendent of finances.



Del was a member of the Worcester United Methodist Church, and at one time taught Sunday school in Delmar. He was also a member of the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the American Legion, and the Kiwanis in Whitesboro. He served as a volunteer fireman for several different communities, including Worcester, and was a member of the Worcester Emergency Squad.



Del was a gifted athlete and his love of sports followed him throughout his life. As the football captain of the Herkimer High School Red Magicians, Del led the team to an undefeated season in 1943. Del then played semi-professional football during college at Hartwick. He also enjoyed coaching Worcester Little League baseball and umpiring games. He even played in some Donkey basketball games while teaching in Worcester. Del loved hunting and spending time in the woods, and he always looked forward to being with his family at the Center Valley Lodge.



He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan (Benedict) Collis; his two daughters, Beth and Rick Cain and Jill and Andy Spivak; his first wife, Audrey J. Collis; his two daughters, Nancy and Doug Mele and JoAnn and Sean Brennan; and a son, Andy and Tammy Collis; his eight grandchildren, Lorin, Trysta, Jessica, Martha, Levi, Anna, Nathan, and Claire, all of whom he was so proud of and loved dearly. Del is also survived by seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.



He was predeceased by his parents; his three brothers, Ralph Jr., Elmer and Art; and his two sisters, Arleen and very special twin, Dorothy.



An open invitation to the community to share memories and celebrate Del's life will start on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Worcester. The Memorial Service with military honors will immediately follow at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Susan Wenner officiating. All are welcome to join the family after the service to continue the celebration of Del's life at Worcester American Legion.



At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197 or Worcester Fire Department, P.O. Box 430, Worcester, NY 12197. Online contributions may be made at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.



The E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester, is serving the family.