Obituary of David W. Collson

David W. Collson, 73, of Bath, NY, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a brief illness. Born in Elmira on July 7, 1947, Dave was the son of the late William and Janice Goodman Collson. Dave was a 1965 graduate of Elmira Southside High School. Following high school, he attended Corning Community College. In September 1967, Dave enlisted in the US Air Force, serving until September, 1971. He was in security police and was stationed in Thailand for over a year during his service, having attained the rank as Sergeant by the time of his discharge. After returning from military service, Dave attended Elmira College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He worked briefly for the Elmira Star Gazette and then was employed as a special education counselor by Steuben-Allegany BOCES. Dave eventually found his way to the Steuben County Probation Department where he worked for 22 years as a probation officer. On June 1, 2002, he married Anne Hulbert Waters aboard the Keuka Maid cruise boat in front of friends and family. Dave was an admirer of cars. He enjoyed building diecast vintage model cars, visiting car shows, and even simply browsing a dealership to see what was on the lot. He was also a big supporter of the New York Mets and New York Giants. Surviving is Dave’s wife, Anne Collson, his sons, Brett (Amy) Collson and Ryan (Juliette Spink) Collson, their mother, Maryanne LawrenceCollson, step sons, Travis Waters (Kelly Burch-Sanders) and Derrick (Emily) Waters, step grandchildren, Brynn Waters, Brennan Waters, Kade Waters, Jensen Waters, Luke Waters and Lydia Waters, his sister, Jeanne (William) Wilkins, his brother, Jeff (Laura) Collson, nieces Lynne Gibson and Lorie Shoup, and nephews Ben Collson and Will Collson. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, William and Janice Collson, and his daughter, Sierra Anne Collson. As per Dave’s wishes, there will be no services. The family held a private gathering in his honor. Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to any cause of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, Woodhull, NY.