The Holyoke Public Schools community was saddened to learn of the passing of William “Ronnie” Collamore on September 19, 2026 at the age of 92. His funeral is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29 at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke.
Mr. Collamore’s legacy to the Holyoke community is long—and legendary. He stepped down from the Holyoke School Committee on December 31, 2025, after serving 49 years representing Ward 6. At that time, he was the longest-serving School Committee member in the history of Massachusetts.
Mr. Collamore’s educational colleagues share deeply heartfelt memories:
“Mr. Collamore dedicated his career to serving the Holyoke community with compassion, commitment, and a genuine belief in the power of our schools and our people. He cared deeply about our students, and especially about the role athletics play in building confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a sense of belonging. His willingness to listen, collaborate, and show up for our community made a lasting difference. We are grateful for his many years of service and for the positive impact he had on our students, families, and city. We will miss him dearly.”
— School Committee Chair Dr. Yadilette Rivera Colón
“Ronnie Collamore’s commitment to Holyoke was extraordinary. For 49 years, he represented Ward 6 on the School Committee, and before that and throughout his life, he served our community as a firefighter, a civic leader, and a champion for our young people. He was also deeply connected to Holyoke’s identity as the Birthplace of Volleyball. From the earliest days of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, he was there helping build and preserve an institution that has brought international recognition to our city. His service to the Hall, including decades as a board member and volunteer, was a reflection of the same dedication he brought to everything he did. On behalf of the City of Holyoke, I extend my deepest condolences to Ronnie’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched. We are grateful for his service, and his legacy will remain a part of Holyoke for generations to come.”
— Mayor Joshua Garcia
“I don't have any memories of my time at HPS without Mr. Collamore,” said. “As a student, I remember him at my high school soccer games. When I was a teacher at Lynch Middle School, I remember him coming to my class at the start of the school year. He would comment on the room and ask if I needed anything. As a parent, I saw him at my own kids' games—football, soccer, basketball. He was at everything. When I became a district leader, Mr. Collamore checked in with me often. He wanted to know how things were going and how he could help. He always kept Holyoke Public Schools' best interests at the forefront of his mind. I will miss him.”
— Superintendent Jackie Glasheen
“Mr. Collamore’s passion for Holyoke Public Schools, especially our athletics programs, was unmistakable. His dedication to our students, his contributions to athletics and facilities, and his instrumental role in bringing the new Peck Middle School to life leave a lasting legacy in our community. I've never been to a basketball game where he wasn't in attendance. He will be missed by so many. I’m grateful for his service and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
— Chief of Finance and Operations and former HPS Superintendent Anthony Soto
Mr. Collamore’s contributions to Holyoke spanned decades:
Mr. Collamore was a lifelong Holyoker who lived almost his entire life in Ward 6, with the exception of his two years of service in the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Holyoke High School, and a retired firefighter who has served on many civic boards during the course of his career. First elected to the School Committee in 1976, his motivation for serving was rooted in his family’s strong belief in public service, and a personal commitment to serving the youth of his community.
Mr. Collamore served on a number of subcommittees and in numerous leadership positions throughout the years, including as vice chair. He was a member of the School Committee for multiple school building projects, including the construction of HHS Dean, the remodel and expansion of HHS North, and the new Peck Middle School—a project he championed for many years before its construction. Mr. Collamore was a founding member of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in the 1970s and of the Holyoke Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. In May 2026, the City of Holyoke honored Mr. Collamore with a street-naming ceremony in recognition of his decades of devoted service.