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William Hagerup Collisi
William Hagerup Collisi
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William Collisi Obituary
He is survived by Charlene (Garbe), faithful wife of 68 years, and children Lance (Janet), Charmaine (Daniel) O'Connell, Bill (Robin), and Craig (Colette). William was a proud grandfather to Christian (fiancée Hadley) O'Connell, John O'Connell, Natalie Collisi, and Johnny Collisi.
After graduating from Proviso East High School, William worked at American Can Company in Maywood.
He then met Charlene Garbe in 1956 and they were married in October of 1957.
William was drafted into the Army in 1958. He served for two years in Alaska and was present when Alaska became our 49th state. This is where William decided to call himself the "Colonel," at least we think that is where the nickname began.
After returning from his deployment to Alaska, the Colonel began his career as a postman for the United States Postal Service and retired in 1990. His years at the post office were some of the best years of his life. He loved his coworkers and the people he delivered to in Berkeley/Hillside. He proudly knew the names of all the families on his route and was often invited in for a shot and a beer.
He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Services will be held on Saturday, July 12th from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Carbonara Funeral Home, 1515 25th Avenue, Melrose Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Kurt Forest
July 13, 2025
Thoughts and prayers to the Collisi family, our dad served with the "Colonel" in the Army where the became good friends. I have some good memories of spending time as kids with the Collisi family and many stories of the two dads when they served. (Mostly crazy stupid things they did). Remembering two great men who served our country and their families, "stand at ease" gentlemen and may god bless you and your families,
Sincerely and with love the Forest family
Linda Manning
July 10, 2025
My Sincere Condolences to the Family. Bill had already retired by the time I started in Melrose, but I knew him from the monthly Union meetings. In later years, I'd catch him in Winston Plaza, showing off his prize car at their auto show. Or, at JEWEL grocery store. He really was a character!!
Tony Hutson (NALC Region 3)
July 8, 2025
Rest easy Colonel.
I had the distinct honor of presenting him with his Gold Card signifying 50 years of membership in the National Association of Letter Carriers back in 2016. What an amazing individual.
We got to talking that evening after the meeting and as I went to leave he stopped me and said he wanted to do something for me. He then turned and saluted me. I explained that I hadn´t served and he said he didn´t care, it was in thanks for the work I do with the union. I will never forget that as long as I live. It´s a memory I lean on at times when the battles seem fruitless.
Thank you Colonel.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
His family and friends will be in our hearts and prayers. God bless.
James E.Worsham---Branch 11,Chicago,ILL.
July 8, 2025
Sincere Condolences to Family,Friends ,and Postal Family of Branch 2183.
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1515 N 25th Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160
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