If you lived in South Greensburg, odds are you knew Lawrence “Muggs” Collier.
“He basically was South Greensburg, and he knew everybody in South Greensburg,” said his granddaughter, Amanda Lehman.
Mr. Collier spent his career at the borough’s PPG Industries plant. He worked part-time tending the bar at South Greensburg Restaurant, and as a part-time auxiliary policeman.
“He was just there for people,” said his daughter, Lauren Collier. “Even when he couldn’t give them money, he did what he could.”
Lawrence E. “Muggs” Collier, 89, of South Greensburg, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019.
He was born Nov. 14, 1929, to the late Edward G. and Trissie (Blackburn) Collier.
Lehman said her grandfather told her stories of growing up in South Greensburg, playing games of “buckety buck” and “kick the can” with the other neighborhood kids.
When he was 16 he forged his birth certificate so he could join the Army early.
He served in the 78th Quartermaster Company, stationed in the Philippines. He also was stationed in Guam as an Army firefighter.
“He was very proud of that, that he got to serve,” Lauren Collier said.
Back home at the PPG plant he was known for always wearing dress clothes, even though he worked on the line as a glassworker.
“My mom probably had a lot to do with that,” Lauren Collier said. “They would go out, and she would make him wear something nice when we went out.”
His family remembered him as a cheerful man and good conversationalist, quick to help out those he loved.
“He loved life, he would have done anything for anybody and he helped a lot of people,” Lauren Collier said.
He was very close with his granddaughter.
“He helped raise me,” Lehman said. “As far back as I can remember he was my best friend … It was nice to just sit and talk with him, he would always have something to say.”
Later, he shared that same love with his two great-grandchildren.
“As soon as they would walk in the room he would smile.”
Mr. Collier enjoyed working in his yard.
He was a member of St. Bruno Roman Catholic Church, VFW Post No. 33, and American Legion Post No. 981.
Mr. Collier was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia C. Collier.
He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Collier of South Greensburg; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral liturgy will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home, 516 Stanton St., Greensburg.
Entombment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park Mausoleum with full military honors to be accorded by the VFW Post No. 33, Greensburg Honor Guard.
