Phyllis R. (Comperchio) Colleran, 93
Phyllis R. (Comperchio) Colleran passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, of natural causes in Acton, surrounded by her family. She was 93.
Born on September 20, 1931, to Vito and Jenni (Santoro) Comperchio in Boston, she was the second of four children. She attended Boston Public Schools and completed an administrative services program, eventually securing a position working for New England Telephone.
In January 1960, she married the love of her life, the late William E. Colleran Jr., and they shared a 61-year romance. The two lived in Medford before moving to Peabody in 1962 and starting a family. In 1970, the family settled in Acton, where Phyllis thrived as a mother to her three children. She was the CEO of the family, running the home, coordinating schedules, and operating a world-class kitchen as the family chef. In 1977, as her family grew older, Phyllis accepted a part-time position in the Acton Public Schools. A diligent and efficient worker, she eventually took on a full-time role in the library at Acton-Carlisle High School. She served as class advisor to the graduating class of 1986.
In 1988, she and Bill sold the family home and started a new chapter in Sun City Center, Florida, where they became fixtures in the community. Devout in her faith, Phyllis thrived as a member of the Prince of Peace Catholic parish community. She was instrumental in planning events and was particular in every detail. At Sun City Center, she channeled her creativity into a new passion: stained glass. She founded the stained glass club in 1991 and served as the organization’s first president until 1996. Her magnificent pieces adorned the windows and walls of her home, and those of friends and family. She also won awards with her masterful bunka embroidery creations. There was nothing she couldn’t sew, and she had an effortless knack for knitting.
Phyllis and Bill returned home to Acton in 2016, eventually becoming residents of the Newbury Court community. Phyllis had the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and forge new ones both at Newbury Court and at the Council on Aging, where she and Bill were regulars at the Wednesday lunches.
Phyllis leaves a legacy of being a deeply religious Catholic, a loyal and trusted friend, and a loving wife and mother. Her three children Maryanne C. Bowe of Westwood, Elisabeth K. Sannicandro of Acton, and William E. Colleran III of Falmouth survive her. She leaves behind eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Additionally, she leaves many friends in the Newbury Court community, both neighbors and staff, who vastly enriched her final years. We celebrate the reunion of Phyllis and Bill.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, July 10, at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Acton Center. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 11, in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Acton Center. Burial at St. Bernard’s Cemetery will be private.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Acton Council on Aging or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a memory or offer a condolence on her tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
