Montague, MA-----Francis P. Collette, 76, of Turners Falls Rd. died Monday (12-18-17) peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer. He was born in Montague on Oct. 5, 1941, the son of Joseph and Mary Collette. Frank attended Montague Schools.

He was a 24 year US Army Veteran, serving four tours in Vietnam. He was a Bronze Star recipient. After retiring from the military he worked for the USDA and the Department of Interior for 20 years. Upon retirement from the government he went on to work part time at BJ's Wholesale where he was always a smiling face. He is a long time member of the Covenant Church in Millers Falls where he served as a Deacon. He was also a member of the Turners Falls Elks.  

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson Xavier, who he viewed as his own son. He could often be seen at all of Xavier’s sporting events or taking him deep sea fishing. He also enjoyed watching the Patriots and driving his 1973 Mustang Mach 1.

He leaves his wife of nearly forty years Chong (Yu) Collette, his daughters; Barbara Lepage and her husband Russell of Westfield and Suzan Collette and her husband Reginald Green of Millers Falls, three grandchildren; Xavier Santiago and Liam and Brooklyn Lepage. He also leaves two step-grandchildren, Taysha and Eliejah Green, two sisters Mary Lou VanValkenburgh and her husband Danny of Millers Falls and Rose Cibrowski and her husband Paul of Agawam and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents Frank was predeceased by his siblings Ann Andrews, Donald, John and Joseph Collette.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday (12-20-17) at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls from 5 PM to 7 PM. Funeral Services will be held Thursday (12-21-17) at the Covenant Church 19 Bridge St Millers Falls at 10 AM with Rev. Allen McClure, pastor officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be at 2 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery 1390 Main St. in Agawam, MA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Covenant Church 19 Bridge St., Millers Falls, MA. 01349.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home.

 Sympathy messages available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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