SOUTH PORTLAND - Robert Wayne Collett Jr., 69, of South Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, at Springbrook Center after a courageous battle with liver disease.

Born on October 3, 1957, Robert was the son of Elise Louise (Williams) Collett and Robert Wayne Collett Sr.

Robert attended schools in South Portland and began working at a young age. His early employment included Legion Square Market, Shaw's Supermarket, The Salvation Army and Lilly Trucking. Following in his father's footsteps, he later purchased a Pepperidge Farm Bread and Rolls franchise. Robert thoroughly enjoyed his years as a salesman, delivering products to local stores and building lasting friendships with customers and store receivers throughout the area. After selling his franchise, Robert earned his Class II driver's license and continued his career in trucking. He worked for several transportation companies before joining Palco Air Cargo, where he found not only a job he loved but also a second family. Robert remained with Palco until a serious fall forced him to leave work, something he deeply missed in the years that followed.

Robert was predeceased by his father, Robert W. Collett Sr. He is survived by his devoted mother, Elise Louise Collett; his sisters, Debra Harris and her husband Rick Harris, Linda Theriault and her husband Michael Theriault, Donna Collett, and Laurie Briggs and her husband Theodore Briggs. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Melissa Siwik and her husband Chris Siwik, Jason Theriault, Christina Ouellette and her husband Jeff Ouellette, Shawn Theriault and his wife Erin Theriault, Evan Rench and his wife Tania Rench, Aaron Rench, Mitchell Briggs, and Alayna Briggs; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and his former wife, Lynne Collett.

One of Robert's greatest passions was auto racing. He spent countless hours preparing race cars for weekend competition at Beach Ridge Speedway and was well known around the track as "Wrecker Boy" for his work driving the wrecker. Racing brought him tremendous joy, and he treasured the friendships he made through the sport. Recently, a close friend dedicated a race victory to Robert, a gesture that touched him deeply and brought him many heartfelt tears.

Robert was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness, sense of humor, and genuine friendship left a lasting mark on all who knew him. His family is grateful for the many friends and loved ones who visited, called, and kept him in their thoughts during his final weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation in Robert's memory.

"Gone from our sight, but forever in our hearts."