Robert M. Collis

Robert Matthew Collis passed away June 28, 2024 after a brief illness. He faced his terminal diagnosis with courage and grace. While Robert is not survived by his own children, he was a deeply loving uncle to James, Caroline, Arielle, Morgan and Gigi, a brother to Dave, Kristen and Leighton Collis, a cousin to Suzanne and Joe Murphy and many more, and a beloved friend to the Lyons family. He divided his time between Port Charlotte, Florida and Cape Cod.

Robert came of age in 1980s ignorance and intolerance of gay men. He rose above bullying and abuse to become an elegant citizen of the world: exquisitely fashion forward, abreast of complex issues, wickedly funny and infinitely gentle. He traveled extensively to NYC, Paris, London, Italy, Egypt and Florida.

Professionally, Robert worked in hospitality on Cape Cod, in Provincetown, Boston and New York City. Guests at Aujourd'hui, The Rainbow Room, The Coonamesett Inn and The Nimrod will remember him. He also was grateful to The Steamship Authority for work and support.

Robert was a wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephew and provided inspiration, patient guidance and unconditional love. He understood being misunderstood. He delighted in simple and silly adventures from hermit crabbing in Wild Harbor and Nobska Beach, cruising in Edgartown and Delay Beach and sailing like pirates at Disney World.

A lesser man would have become bitter after the challenges of his abusive childhood, the early loss of his father, USN Commander Charles D Collis, his struggles with addictions, bullies and horrendous car accidents. Instead, he made his own way–undaunted, charming and utterly his own. He was a friend of Bill and made many friends through meetings. We will all remember his dry sense of humor, delivered in his signature soft-spoken manner. Because of his life’s journey, he was a stalwart friend to those in dire straits and could be counted on to bring laughter to the toughest of times.

He was a great lover of dogs, especially dachshunds and was predeceased by his beloved Juliet.

We will keep Robert in our hearts forever: beautiful, unbroken and kind. Special thanks to the heroes Suzanne and Joe Murphy who cared for Bob in health and in his illness.

A visitation will be held at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 40 Macarthur Blvd Bourne, MA 02532 from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Followed immediately by a memorial service inside of the funeral home. Reception to follow. A burial will take place at later date at Oakland Grove Cemetery.