Norman S. Collett

Waltham – Mr. Norman S. Collett, of Waltham, died Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence in Wayland. He was 88.

Norman was born in Waltham on July 31, 1930, a son of the late William and Eva (Connelly) Collett. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1948 and then joined the United States Coast Guard where he became the youngest 2nd Class Petty Officer on the Coast Guard Cutter Duane.

In 1956 he graduated from Boston College and while working towards his master's degree he taught at the University of New Hampshire. He also earned his master's degree from B.C. He worked for several technology, computer and defense companies before going to work at Digital Equipment Company where he was a technical writer and a member of the Digital Engineering Committee with company founder Ken Olsen.

Norman was an avid book collector and also had a passion for hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and walking at Walden Pond in Concord.

His wife Ruth (Bezanson) (Rodier) Collett died in 2006.

Norman is survived by many nieces, nephews and their families and his beloved Barbara Burgess, companion of fourteen years, and her dear family.

He was the brother of the late William, Paul and Floyd 'Peter' Collett, May Pieronni, Ruth Little and Irene Christophel.

Family and friends will honor and remember Norman's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, July 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning when his funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090 www.smiletrain.org