Bernard W. William Coll
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Bernard W. Coll, 85, passed from this earth three weeks before his 86th birthday, on January 20, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to John Joseph Coll and Olga Morrissey Coll on February 15, 1937. During WWII, his parents moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he graduated from A. I. du Pont High School and the University of Delaware, started his family, and retired before moving to Vero Beach, Florida, in 1999.
Bernie was a proud veteran who joined the 142nd Delaware Air National Guard on November 21, 1954. He served proudly as a Loadmaster on C97 and C130 aircraft and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in March 1982. He later joined the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware, in September, 1955, where he spent 40 successful years. He served in many managerial positions over his 40-year career retiring as a Regional Property Manager.
Bernie loved baseball and was a talented third baseman who tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Alas, he couldn't hit a curve ball but that did not diminish his passion for the sport. He was a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan and after moving to Florida also supported the Miami Marlins. He enjoyed riding his bicycle 3,000 miles a year, playing golf with neighborhood friends, walking on the beach with his wife, and traveling to over 44 countries.
He is predeceased by his parents, John J. Coll and Olga Morrissey Coll of Wilmington, Delaware, and Galena, Maryland, and his only brother, James Joseph Coll of Wilmington, Delaware. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Joy Lewis Coll, of Vero Beach, Florida, and his much-loved children: Cheryl Ann Wiercinski (Dr. Stanley) of Wilmington, Delaware, Dr. John B. Coll (Judy) of Wyoming, Delaware, Daniel C. Coll (Lori) of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and Brian S. Coll (Andrea) of Lexington, South Carolina, and his first wife, Frances Joan Coll of Newark, Delaware.
He was proud to be Pop-Pop to seven grandchildren and Great-Pop-Pop to one great-grand-daughter. They are: William Woodis (Julie) of Wilmington, Delaware, Randy J. Coll of Wyoming, Delaware, Dr. Ryan P. Coll (Jenn) of Houston, Texas, PFC Mark G. Coll of El Paso, Texas, Maria B. Coll of Savannah, Georgia, Devin T. Coll of Royal Oak, Michigan, Sean P. Coll of Lexington, South Carolina, and great-grand-daughter, Elizabeth Josephine "Ellie" Woodis of Wilmington, Delaware. He is also survived by his beloved sister-in-law, Ann Boisvert Coll of Hockessin, Delaware, his nephew, James M. Coll of Wilmington, Delaware, his niece, Michele Coll Scholl (Dan) of Wilmington, Delaware, his grand-nephew Michael Coll and two grand-nieces Ava and Caroline Scholl of Wilmington, Delaware.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home on Saturday, February 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will take place on Friday, February 10, at 11 a.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware, with military honors. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after at the Chesapeake Inn in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Valet parking is complementary. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly suggests contributions in his memory to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, FL 32967. Warm thanks to all his doctors, friends, and family who supported and loved him throughout his life and enhanced his final years. Services provided by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, 1623 N. Central Ave., Sebastian, FL 32958.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com