Alan A. Collester

Alan A. Collester, the “happy-go-lucky” family man and friend to many, died on July 9, 2022, in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 15, 1935, to Joseph and Toby (Schneider) Collester, Alan served his country in the Army before making a career as a salesman and entrepreneur in various industries.

Alan, whose parents and two younger sisters preceded him in death, will be missed by his “one and onlies”: Shirley, his devoted spouse of nearly sixty-two years, his son, Michael (Lynn), and daughter, Debra Lewis (Seth); his adoring grandchildren: Josh (Kasie) and Zach Collester, Ashley, Jamie (Matthew Mosior, fiancé), and Aaron (Mackensie) Lewis, two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many long-time friends.

Alan’s “heart of gold” shone brightly on all who knew him. His family will remember him as being generous, especially with his optimism and his hugs. His friends will remember him for his loyalty, his love of meals at “Pumpernick’s,” weekends at the casino and many trips and outings with his wife. Strangers may remember him as the booming, joyful man who dressed as Santa Claus and delivered gifts in the children’s hospital in his younger days.

Alan always had a song in his heart and on the tip of his tongue. One small piece of his legacy will be the joy his great-grandchildren provide as they laugh and sing the old standards of his repertoire.

Services will be private.

Contributions in Alan’s memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: (https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/?_ga=2.233565982.1685435621.1634314225-106785925.1633529755#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=main_nav)