William Collazo Sr.

William was born on July 3, 1942, in Juncos, Puerto Rico, to Guillermo Collazo and Florencia Gonzalez. At the age of eight, he moved with his family to New York City, where he attended school in the Bronx. He earned degrees from Bronx Community College and Baruch College and served as president of the Puerto Rican for Involvement, Development, and Enlightenment (P.R.I.D.E.), proudly advocating for civil rights within his community.

After college, William began a career as an accountant for Columbia Pictures and on August 9, 1969, married the love of his life, Yolanda Suarez, in Puerto Rico. They later relocated to South Florida in 1973, where he worked in both corporate and personal accounting, as well as in insurance sales, before founding his own businesses—Quad City Insurance and W.W. Daytan, Inc. The latter’s name reflected his deep love for his family, incorporating letters from each of their names.

Throughout his life, William was a devoted husband and father. Despite the physical challenges he faced in his later years, his strength, humor, and generosity of spirit never wavered.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yolanda, and his parents, Guillermo and Florencia.

He is survived by his eldest son and wife William Jr. and Lori, his daughter, Tanya, his youngest son and wife, David and Melissa, his younger sister and husband, Carmen and Angel Torrella, his youngest sister, Lydia Jandorf, and his five grandchildren, Isabela Rene, William Miguel, Teresa Marie, Mia Isabel and David Isaac.

A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Kraeer Funeral Home, 1655 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071.

The Collazo family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Prine, the dedicated medical teams at VITAS Healthcare and Firstat Nursing Services, and especially to his long-time nurse, Marie, and personal caregiver, Juanita, for their exceptional care and compassion over the years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William’s memory may be made to the Rheumatology Research Foundation, honoring both his battle with rheumatoid arthritis and his lifelong generosity toward charitable causes. You can make a donation in William's honor by clicking on the following link - https://www.rheumresearch.org/donate

May he rest in peace.