Former Rumsonite and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Class of 1968 graduate, Episcopal priest, the Rev. Geoffrey Collis, passed away on Oct. 2.

Born in Red Bank and raised in Rumson, Geoffrey earned his bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from Rider University in 1972 and his Master of Divinity from General Theological Seminary, NYC, in 1976, when he was ordained.

“His many interests including a life-long love of sacred choral music which began from singing as a teenager in St. George’s By the River’s Men and Boys Choir. Travel was a great enjoyment and in the mid-1980s, he made his first trip to England, meeting his British relatives. Each morning started with the New York Times crossword puzzle.”

Loved ones of Rev. Geoffrey Collis in his obituary

From his obituary …

Geoffrey’s entire ministry was served in the Diocese of New Jersey. His first call was a Curate at Christ Church, Toms River, where he became Priest-in-Charge in 1979 until he was called as Rector of St. James’ Church, Long Branch, where he served for 17 years. After leaving Long Branch, he served, in various positions, at Christ Church, Somers Point; St. Andrews, New Providence; St. Peter’s, Barnegat Light; Trinity Church, Cranford; St. David’s, Cranbury; and Church of the Epiphany, Ventnor.

On the Diocesan Level, Geoffrey served on the Ecumenical Commission for many years as well as serving on the Trial Court. He was dean of the Monmouth Convocation in the mid-1980s. He was also an associate of the Order of the Holy Cross.

Geoffrey was predeceased by: his parents, Harry and Margaret (Cunningham) Collis; and his older brother, Harry J. Collis.

He is survived by: his sister, Diane West, of Rumson; his sister-in-law, Margaret A. Collis, of Winterpark, FL; four nieces, Heather Collis-Puro, Joy Shea, Stephanie Melli and Donna Scanlon; and nine great nieces and nephews.

A private Requiem Mass will be celebrated at All Saints’ Memorial Episcopal Church in Navesink with interment in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either Holy Cross Monastery, PO Box 99, West Park, NY 12493 or the Convent Community of St. John Baptist, PO Box 420, Mendham, NJ 07945.

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