David James Collier

David James Collier, was born to Marian and Claude Collier in a farm house in Perry, New York in 1923.  He moved to Kent, OH with his family in 1953 and began working for W. J. Stockman Engineering/Surveying company until he became a licensed surveyor.  He started his own surveying business in 1963 working in Portage County and continued to do so until his retirement in 1988.

He and his wife, Jennie (DiNoto) enjoyed their retirement in Kent spending time with their children, extended family, traveling, and their highlight was eating lunch out at their favorite local Kent restaurants.

Dave had a soft-spot for wildlife and strays, even taking in 4 abandoned wood chucks and a few stray cats over the years.  His bird feeder was always full and plenty of corn on the ground for the deer.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240.

Dave was known by his family and friends for his generosity, kind smile and infectious laugh.  He always had time for your visit and was well informed of current topics to engage in great conversations.

He is preceded in death by this wife, Jennie in 2013 after 70 years of marriage and his son, William Collier in 2020.

He is survived by his sons, Robert (Linda) Collier, Edward (Phyllis) Collier of Kent, Christopher (Jennifer) of Ravenna, and daughter, Marian (Bruce) Emerson of California, 10 grandchildren: Cori (Brett) Magilavy, Daniel Collier, Millie (Wesley) Rinear, Chelsea (Chad) Magilavy, David (Kristen) Collier, Ericka Collier, Kate Collier, Jakob Emerson, Samantha Emerson, Cade Emerson and 6 great grandchildren.

Dave requested a cremation and no services, however, he asked in lieu of flowers, all donations be made to Portage County Animal Protective League (portageapl.org) or Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary (happytrailsfarm.org).