Stephen M. Collette

Stephen M. Collette, 66, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born on September 9, 1958, in Watertown, he was the son of Michael J. and Nancy M. (Jewett) Collette. Stephen attended Indian River Central School and held various jobs in the Watertown area before beginning his career at the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center (JRC) in 1989. He worked as a direct support staff member for several years and later became a senior bus driver, retiring in 2019. 

On January 20, 1978, Stephen married Dawn M. Dennee in Antwerp, NY, and the couple made their home in Watertown. Dawn worked as a teacher at CAPC Head Start for over 31 years. 

Stephen had a deep passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and Dawn enjoyed going for drives on nice days and not so nice days as well. He also enjoyed visiting local diners, and spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Dawn M. Collette, of Watertown, NY; a daughter, Destinee Collette; and a son, Stephen M. Collette and his wife Stacy, all of Watertown, NY; six grandchildren: Amarah Gilligan, Cadence Collette, Kacey Collette, Brodee Gilligan, Dyanee Collette, and Kehlani Minter; five step-grandchildren: Robert, Tyson, Kendra, and  Cassandra, Bolster, Travis Graham. He is also survived by three siblings: Timothy Collette and his wife Diane of Redwood, NY, Michelle Damon and her husband Eric of Watertown, NY, and Nannette Gentile and her husband Mark of Dexter, NY. 

Several nieces and nephews, Robert, Danielle, Tyler, and Brendon Collette, John, Michael,Christopher, and Matthew Dewitt,  Angela Keegan, Susanne Nix,Brianna Flecker, Dustin, Brandon, and Ryan Gentile, Megan Hoff, Josh Cox, Tommy and Zach Hayes.

Also survived by two remaining uncles whom which he had close bonds with Carl Jewett and Patrick Collette.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Michael J. Collette and Nancy M. Eiss, and several aunts and uncles.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 28th, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 North Massey Street, Watertown. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

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