On July 9th, 2026, Joel (Joe) Collier entered God's heavenly kingdom. Born on July 28th, 1945, Joe grew up and was schooled in Lynn, and as a young man, after graduating from a very specialized GE apprentice program, he began what was to be a successful 35-year career as a jet engine specialist with General Electric.

When he retired from General Electric, Joe took just a couple of months off and began his "after retirement" jobs, working for EMARK, Windsor Place, and then nearly 7 years as a crossing guard for the Melrose School system which he thoroughly enjoyed.

In 1990, Joe met and married the love of his life, Dody. They met at the Hilton in Wakefield at a dance. Joe was a great dancer and Dody was the perfect partner for him. A few months later, they won a big dance contest at the Hilton hotel.

After marrying and moving to Melrose, Joe enjoyed his adventure-filled life to the fullest. He and Dody frequently travelled in the US, Canada and Europe and after Dody convinced him he would enjoy a long train trip, Joe was hooked on train travel. One of their best US first-class trips was from San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr. Over the years, they travelled via train more than 50,000 miles in the US, Canada and abroad.

Joe was the much-loved uncle of his nieces Lisa, Kim, Joanne, Diane, Susan and nephews Johnny, Billy, Richie and Wally. Joe was predeceased by his parents, his very, very special Aunt Jenny, his sisters, Shirley, Teresa, Ada, and brother Sonny.

Above all Joe will be lovingly remembered as a devoted husband, brother, uncle, and long-term dear friend of Danny and Andrea. His strong faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will never be forgotten.

May you rest in peace in God's care.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 9:00AM-10:30AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

To sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com