WALLINGFORD - Eric B. "Rick" Collett, 77, of Wallingford, beloved husband of Sue (Scheiber) Collett, departed this life on Friday, February 17, 2012 at Masonic Healthcare Center. Eric was born on November 10, 1934 in Meriden, CT, son of the late Helen Hillbon Collett Tymeson, and Cliff Collett. He resided in Wallingford, CT for most of his life and Plymouth, VT where he loved to ski and taught many young friends the enjoyment of skiing as a downhill skier. Rick was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School, Hartford State Technical College and UCONN. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army attaining the rank of SGT. Eric worked as a telecommunications manager for several companies and worked in various parts of the United States. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church having served in several capacities. Rick was also a member of the Republican Town Committee, Compass Lodge, Masons, Y's Men of Meriden, Former Board Member of Visiting Nurses Association. He served on the State of CT Electric Board in Hartford. While at UCONN he was President of Alpha Phi Omega and was honored as an Archon. He was also a member of Friendship Force of CT. Eric is survived by his wife of 50 years Sue Scheiber Collett. He was preceded in death by his son Gary Collett. He also leaves his sister, Nancy Shellard, several cousins, nieces and many nephews and five God Children. He also leaves Chad, Kate, Mogs and Butters. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 941 Old Rock Hill Road, Wallingford. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to: The American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Center #3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3405, and the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave, Meriden, CT 06450 or The First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 941 Old Rock Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. The B. C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with arrangements.