Obituary of Robert G. Collister

Robert "Hoot" Gill Collister, 72, of Ashtabula, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. He was born November 1, 1946 in Geneva, the son of the late Richard and Jessie (Stone) Collister. Hoot graduated from Edgewood Senior High Class of 1964. He married Gail Emery on October 1, 1977. Robert was a U.S. Veteran serving our country during Vietnam. He began his military career in the Navy in 1966 and was soon recruited to the Marine Fleet Force DaNang where he was a Medical Corpsman. He was honorably discharged in 1969. Hoot was employed by ABS Industry from 1964-1982. In 1973 he along with his brother Jon owned and operated West 8th Street Steam Bath. In 1981 he started Collister Drywall and operated his own company until his retirement in 2007. Robert was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed creating heirloom pieces for his family. He enjoyed gardening and was an excellent pie and bread maker. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Gail; daughter, Brooke DiMarco (Kyle); son, Derek Collister (Ashley); granddaughter, Giuliana DiMarco; sisters, Barbara Parsons and Holly Collister; sister-in-law, Christine Cochran; and niece, Lauren Collister (Jonathan). Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Jon and his parents. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 2-6pm at the family home, 1237 W. 8th St., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com