Alan Collette of East Dennis passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2022 at Cape Cod Hospital. He was born in Northbridge, MA and lived in South Grafton and Westborough, MA before moving to Dennis in 1965.

He began his career by establishing an appliance sales and repair store in South Grafton after attending Cole Trade School in Southbridge. He then took a job as an electrician at Lyman School in Westborough. Shortly after, he transported a group of students from Lyman School to the Stephen French Youth Forestry Camp in Brewster and fell in love with Cape Cod. Upon accepting a position as an Assistant Superintendent here, he moved with his family to the Cape in 1965. While at the Forestry camp, Alan developed a highly acclaimed and regarded Homeward Bound Program for the youthful offenders station there. That program was studied and used as a model for other programs all over the country. It wasn’t long before Alan displayed his administrative and managerial talents and quickly rose to the position of Superintendent, which he held for many years. He ended his full-time career as an Area Director for the Department of Youth Services. In addition to his full-time role as Area Director, he also maintained a part-time business which included everything from landscaping to construction, and other various services. Upon retirement, Alan worked for many years as a courtesy van driver for Toyota in Hyannis.

Alan had many interests and hobbies, and he loved to tinker. There was nothing he could not fix. Above all else, Alan lived for his wife and his family. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with the love of his life, his wife, Dolores. Together, they treasured every moment they got to share with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Dolores Collette of East Dennis, a brother Philip Collette and his wife Debbie of Westborough, 3 children: Alan Collette Jr and his wife Janet of East Dennis, Sharon Dumas and her husband Oliver of East Sandwich, and David Collette and his partner Maryellen Walsh of Harwich. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kristin Bigda, her husband Bryan and their two children Zachary and Alexander, Kyla Collette and her two children Riley and Walker, Amber Buzzard and her husband Scott, David Collette Jr and his wife Madison, Brett Dumas, Sarah Mostone, her husband Alex and their son Luca, Trever Dumas, Allyson Collette, and Julia Collette.

Visiting hours will be held at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, on Thursday February 17 from 9 am to 10 am. The funeral mass will follow at 11 am at Our Lady of the Cape, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster. Burial immediately to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Route 134, South Dennis.

Donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Big Al always left an impression. He was larger than life when I first met him as a child. A great friend to my parents and a person you could always count on. One time when my parents were away (I was in high school DY at the time), my father got a call that there was something odd going on at the house. Al got the call and somehow tracked me down at the movies. Boy was I glad I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Al made sure everything was ok and let’s us know not to pull anything. He was strong but kind and I always had great respect for him. I also remember some great fun and cookouts at his camp at Nickerson. Sending our sincere condolences on your loss.

We are torn with grief over this devastating news. Uncle Alan was always my favorite Uncle. His dry sense of humor, his ability to make me laugh, his interest in......me. I'm SO sorry to hear this news. We have guests flying in literally tomorrow or we would have made the trek back to pay our respects. Again, SO sorry to get this bad news. Fran