Richard Collarile

UPDATED FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Richard D. “Richie” Collarile age 75 of Erie, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Richie was born in Greensburg, PA on February 17, 1945, son of the late James V. and Grace Wast Collarile.  He was a graduate of Yonkers High School and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Richie, compassionately known by his coworkers at the City of Erie Police Department as “The Hugger” had a well-established career, retiring after 27 years. In his early years he was a power lifter and named Mr. Erie in 1969. He loved playing chess and welcomed a friendly game with anyone, especially his grandson, Alex.
Richie loved remodeling homes and teaching his son to do the same. He was a member of the downtown YMCA and started the gym at the Erie Police Department. He was co-founder and owner of American Gym in Erie, as well as several other locations. Richie was strong in his faith. His family, friends and neighbors 
respected and appreciated his spiritual guidance.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vincent Collarile and sister, Nanci Martinson.

He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Kimberly Brady Collarile, a daughter, Nicole Pashkow (Brian) of Jamestown, NY; a son, Rick Collarile, Jr. (Kim) of North East; a grandson, Alex Pashkow; a brother, Christian Collarile (his partner, Robert Stebnisky) of Erie and many nieces and nephews.

Due to the increase in local COVID cases, the family has chosen to change the calling hours and funeral services to private.  For those who wish to view the funeral service, it will be live streamed on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 11 a.m. and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/BurtonFuneralHomesAndCrematoryInc. Richie’s brother-in-law, Deacon Larry D. Allen will officiate.  Private interment will be held in Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the Erie Crawford County Burial Detail and will also be live streamed.  The Erie Retired Police Officers Association will conduct services for Richie at the funeral home.

Please note arrangements were previously listed as open to the public but have now been changed to private.

A public Celebration of Life Service for Richie will be held on a future day and time to be announced.  

Memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.