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 Daniel Hoyt Collyer, 74
 September 15, 2025
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Mr. Daniel Hoyt Collyer died peacefully at his home on September 15, 2025. Dan was a man with a beautiful heart. He loved living. He loved his family and his friends. He believed in the value of education, taking pride in his personal accomplishment of earning his Bachelor, Master, and CAGS degrees. Knowing this accomplishment was the key to changing his world.
Daniel loved reading biographies, classical literature, poetry and political memoirs. A true historian at heart, he studied the civil war and greatly respected this country.
He loved running and bicycling and cross-country skiing, summers at Cape Cod and all the theatre productions that the Berkshires has to offer, including Shakespeare and the Opera. He enjoyed these activities with his beloved wife Cindy by his side.
Most of Dan’s professional career was spent at McCann Technical School as a teacher and as the Director of Special Education. The result of his work has had a profound and positive influence that resonates through this community every day. There was never a day at the store or on the street that “Hey Mr. Collyer” wasn’t a familiar shout out. Following his retirement, he continued to share his keen ability to reach and support students at Berkshire Community College, MCLA, and the Southern Vermont school Community. His extraordinary heart spoke to everyone he met. He also had a sweet jump shot that was the envy of many!
FUNERAL NOTICE: At Dan’s request there will be no formal services to celebrate his life. Instead, if you knew him, stay strong. And please share that love and respect you felt from him with everyone that you know and meet. If you feel so inclined, please feel free to make a donation in his name to your local public radio station or youth sports organization.
My condolences to Dan's family. Dan had such a warm and welcoming way about him and was always so kind. The world could use a few more Dan's in it!
RIP Dan and always know that you left a lasting impression that will be missed | | from: Pam (LaChapelle) Sisto | on: 09-30-2025 |
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| Words cannot express the influence Dan had on me, both personally and professionally. Working with him at Conte was a pleasure....if not an adventure. He was an amazing educator, but an even more amazing person. He made sure 'his kids' got what they needed to have to be as successful as possible. His legacy lives on in everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. Rest in peace, my friend! You earned it. | | from: Naureen Collins | on: 09-29-2025 |
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| To the entire Collyer family. Having known Dan my entire adult life he will be so missed. Watching his children grow with mine. Sitting through games and plays. He was always a positive influence on all he encountered. A quick hello a big smile and an ever engaging conversation. Hugs and prayers. May you hold all your good memories to help you through this time. | | from: Marcia Tessier | on: 09-26-2025 |
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| My deepest condolences to the Colyer family! Mr. Colyer was a great mentor and a great teacher of life, who had a huge impact in my education while at McCann. Rest in Peace Mr. Colyer! | | from: Christopher | on: 09-26-2025 |
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| Thoughts are with the family at this time especially Dani and Linda. I knew some of the family more than Dan and they will always have a special place in my heart. Love and condolences from Australia. | | from: Mick Tighe | on: 09-26-2025 |
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| I’m so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. The world was a brighter place with him in it. What an outstanding teacher and friend he was to so many, it was always nice to run into him and chat for a few minutes. I’ll always remember him as one of my all time favorite teachers. He will be missed. Rest in peace Mr. Collyer. | | from: Renee Royal | on: 09-25-2025 |
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Dan was a mentor to so many. What a kind and caring Man. Lee and Dani I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you and sending love and hugs….
Val | | from: Valerie Ross | on: 09-25-2025 |
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Cindy, Lee, Danielle, and family,
I met Dan in the 70's and I have always known him as Bucky. Now and then throughout the years, I would see him around stopping to talk. Bucky was teaching at Berkshire Community College when I worked there and I can tell you that he was very well liked by everyone. The world has lost an incredible person. Rest in peace Dan! | | from: Mary Jane O'Brien | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| It’s impossible to sum up my feelings for a close friend friend Buck. We shared more than 60 years of memories, joys and adventures. From serving as best man at my wedding to Josh Billings and Boston Marsthons, camping out and joining Winthrop pals. He was the first with a gentle laugh and the last to ask for anything. Those hundreds of special needs kids he devoted his career to never had as strong and sensitive an advocate as Dan. I loved the guy and will carry his memory forever. My condolences to Lee, Danielle, Cindy and family. | | from: Charles McDonald | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| Dan was my boss when I taught in North Adams, and he was a wonderful guy. I enjoyed seeing him at volleyball games at Greylock and then around WES when he was there watching his granddaughters participate in different activities. Cindy, Kelly, Jeremy, Anna and Charlotte, and the rest of Dan's family, I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss. He was a great person with a super kind heart. Much love to you all. | | from: Colleen Judge Martin | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| We send our sincerest condolences to Lee and Danielle, his two granddaughters, and all of his family & friends. We have many good memories of Dan and hope memories help Lee and Danielle deal with their loss. | | from: Brian Missy & Dave Young | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| To Dan’s children Danielle, Lee and grandchildren. No matter the age or how prepared you are, losing a parent is difficult. My condolences on the passing of your father. | | from: Cindy Noyes | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| I worked with Dan during COVID at Abbott School in Florida. e was a great teacher and a nice man. My condolences to the family. | | from: Tim Rougeau | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| Dave and I are very sad and sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. We are also extremely saddened for his children, Lee and Danielle. He loved them very much and they will carry on his love and his memories. May he rest in peace. | | from: Bernadette Archibald | on: 09-25-2025 |
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| RIP Mr. Collyer. I had not seen him since high school more than 25 years ago, but a good man and even better teacher who cared deeply for his students. He was there for me on more than one occasion. | | from: Matt Wright | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| Dan was one of my teachers He was a wonderful man. Always had time to stop and talk. He will be missed | | from: Bruce Sherman | on: 09-24-2025 |
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We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Dan Collyer. He certainly did help lots of children. We are sending much love to his Son Lee and daughter Danielle who were in school with our boys. I think he had a brother too.. Good memories..
Clare & Wayne Morrison | | from: Clare Morrison | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| I'm deeply sorry that Dan is gone Cindy. You know we worked very well together at Conte with the most difficult middle school students and shared laughs to help us get through some very frustrating times. I will never forget him. | | from: Jon Lev | on: 09-24-2025 |
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I am so sad to learn of Dan's passing. I was fortunate to have worked for him when I taught at NAPS. He was a true blessing that always made sure kids in school were getting the services and education they deserved. Dan's warm smile and genuine kind heart, will be missed for sure!
Kathy Atwood | | from: Kathy Atwood | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| I taught with Dan in the 70s. He was all about the kids. McCann Tech was lucky to have him for so long. He did have a sweet jump shot, but he could not go left. | | from: DICK SYRIAC OF LENOX | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| We were so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. What a kind and caring gentleman! He encouraged our sons in their sports and cared about the youth in our community. We will miss seeing him and miss his usual question "how are the boys doing?" Condolences to his entire family. | | from: Brenda and Dave Wilson | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| Cindy so sorry to hear of Dans passing. He was such a nice man, may he RIP, | | from: Ellen & Craig Millard | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| You will be missed by many Dan. Thank you for all you did to support students here at MCLA ! It was always a pleasure to go by the testing center and see you sitting in there waiting for students to arrive. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family as I know how much they meant to you. | | from: Cindy MacDonald | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| Please accept my deepest sympathy. Dan was a wonderful educator and friend. He served so many kids both in the Northern Berkshires and Southern Vermont. I am sure he will be greatly missed. | | from: Karen Gallese | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| My condolences to everybody, Thank you for everything Dan. A truly great man !!! You made a great impact on many !!!!! Love ya .. | | from: Timothy Goss | on: 09-24-2025 |
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| To Dan Family, I've know Dan since I was a student at McCann my Freshman year and he was very helpful. Then in 2010 when I returned to BCC, Dan was instrumental in helping me get through college. The Education community has lost a very well respected and knowledgeable educator and counselor. Rest in Peace Dan | | from: BRIAN K MCNEIL | on: 09-23-2025 |
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| I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Dan's family. As colleagues at McCann, I saw first hand Dan's impact on our student body. His radiant personality was only superseded by his all encompassing heart and love of education. | | from: Gary Rivers | on: 09-23-2025 |
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| Our condolences to Bucky's son Lee and daughter Dani and families. Rest in peace and give our love to Bill and Earldeen if you are lucky enough to join them. | | from: Ray and Leah | on: 09-23-2025 |
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| To the Family of Mr. Collyer my deepest condolences. I loved that Man like my own Father he showed me so much while at McCann ???. Thank You Dan for always being there for me u changed my life. | | from: David Hoskins | on: 09-23-2025 |
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| Dan Collyer is one of the best people I ever met....A legend if you were lucky enough to have a relationship with him. It is true, he had a nice jumper and could come off a screen as good as anyone.....as an educator, never has there been a more selfless and kind person who would listen. The Robin Williams role in Good Will Hunting had to be based on his actions. I am glad we grabbed a beer a few years ago after not seeing him for 30 years. You made a difference in my life as my friend when I needed it the most. | | from: Dan Carpenter | on: 09-23-2025 |
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| RIP Dan | | from: Tom Mahar | on: 09-23-2025 |
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