Obituary of Sheila & Charles Coller

Sheila Anne Coller, 86, of Largo passed away August 30, 2022 at home. Born and raised in Newton, MA, she graduated from Bridgewater State Teachers College in 1958. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents George and Gertrude Quinn. She was the youngest of 5 siblings and was preceded in death by her sisters Gertrude “Bunny” McKenna and Joan Gelinas, and her brothers, George “Red” Quinn and Paul Quinn. Sheila is survived by her daughters Cheryl Coller Reed and Annette Coller; her son Charles “Mike” Coller and his wife Christine “Chris” Coller; and granddaughters Kelly Reed and Elisabeth Coller. Shortly after her death, her husband of 61 years, Charles “Chuck” Melvin Coller, died on September 1, 2022.

Sheila was a physical education teacher, beginning her career at Largo High School in the late 1950s and ending her teaching career at the Cathedral School of St. Jude’s where she coached multiple sports teams. After teaching, she continued her education at St. Petersburg College, graduating in 1986, before making a career pivot to pension plan accounting at Aon Insurance. Sheila was devoted to her faith and her family and loved animals, including birdwatching and bunnies. She enjoyed spending summers with Chuck at their cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains, tending to her garden, and volunteering at the Harris Regional Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop in Sylva, NC. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the care provided by Touching Hearts at Home and Suncoast Hospice – Yellow Team.

A celebration of Sheila and Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 9:30 am at St. Jude's Catholic Cathedral with internment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. After the committal service, the family is inviting guests to attend the reception at Reese Funeral Home at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association – Florida Gulf Coast Chapter or the Parish of St. Mary Mother of God in Sylva, NC.

Charles “Chuck” Melvin Coller, 85, of Largo passed away September 1, 2022 at home. Chuck was born and raised in Springfield, VT. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Coller and Selena Gaspardino Coller, his stepmother Alma Coller, and his brother Jon Coller. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Sheila Anne Coller, two days prior on August 30, 2022. Chuck is survived by his stepsister Cindy Krager and her husband Dennis Krager; his sister in law, I. Colette Coller; daughters Cheryl Coller Reed and Annette Coller; son Charles "Mike" Coller and his wife Christine “Chris” Coller; and granddaughters Kelly Reed and Elisabeth Coller.

Chuck was a star athlete at Springfield High School, lettering in football, basketball and baseball. His love of playing ball continued for many years, and he later added golf to his game. He had a brief minor league baseball career in 1958 with a team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, played fast pitch softball for the Clearwater Bombers and other local teams, and coached high school and recreational baseball. He was also a longtime fan of New England sports teams until his daughter, Annette, converted him to a Tampa Bay fan. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1965.

Chuck had an over 30 year career as a tanker driver for Gulf Oil and Mobil Oil, driving over a million miles accident-free, and he was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed spending summers with Sheila at their cabin in Sylva, NC, using his beloved tractor to maintain their land,

and performing acts of service for his family. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the care provided by Touching Hearts at Home and Suncoast Hospice – Yellow Team.

A celebration of Sheila and Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 9:30 am at St. Jude's Catholic Cathedral with internment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. After the committal service, the family is inviting guests to attend the reception at Reese Funeral Home at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Parish of St. Mary Mother of God in Sylva, NC.