Local obituary: Miles Collette, 32-year-old from Gilford, N.H.

Miles Alexander Collette, 32, of Gilford, NH, died in The Lakes Region on September 12th, 2026. Miles was born on March 10th, 1994, to Deirdre Connelly and Robert Collette. He was delivered into the loving hands of his GrandMolly, a legendary Midwife.

Right from the start, Miles delighted family and friends with his adorable curls, bright eyes, and charming smile. He captivated the attention of everyone around him.

Miles and his Mom went on an adventure in his preschool years and discovered the best of the West, navigating the desert terrain and camping under the stars. A natural leader, Miles was the unofficial captain of the cousins. On the playground, his peers looked to him for fun and games. Miles included everyone. The more the merrier. He was a champion for the underdog and received accolades for good citizenship.

In elementary school, Miles survived an ice storm car accident but remained in a coma for 10 days. We called him “Miracle Miles” when he woke up and got right back to the business of living life to the fullest with an added spice of a little mischief.

Miles made up for those 10 lost days for the rest of his life. He pursued thrilling hobbies, including dirt bike riding and snowmobiling, eventually upgrading to running heavy equipment with finesse and riding motorcycles like they were an extension of himself, free from the worries of the world.

Miles enriched the lives of those around him. He held the door for strangers, made friends from chance encounters, and remembered your favorite flavor.

Miles was especially adored by the women in his family and friends circle because he was a gentleman. Miles respectfully emulated the old fashioned morals of his Grampa Bill. Miles’ caring and protective nature was a comfort to those he loved.

Miles’ enthusiastic approach to all things fun and exciting came second only to his charismatic character. He gained the admiration of many who were drawn to his fervor for life and “High Vis” wardrobe.

Miles’ steadfast loyalty solidified his friendships into unbreakable bonds. He rallied his tribe to connect and celebrate togetherness and tradition, but he was always willing to add new experiences to his rich repertoire of entertaining enjoyment.

Miles made you feel special. He was everyone’s favorite. He seemed to embody that nearly impossible balance of giving to others and fulfilling himself in perfect proportion. You always knew where you stood with Miles. He didn’t mince his words. When he said he loved you, he meant it and you felt it. The world will be a little duller without his lightning quick-witted one-liners and his up-for-anything free spirit.

Rest assured, Miles was received into the warm embrace of his grandparents, William and Molly Connelly and Shelby and Ronald Collette Sr., who predeceased him, as well as the welcoming presence of his uncles, Sean, Patrick, Timothy, Ron, and Puppa. Most importantly, he is now enveloped in the loving grace of God Almighty, which will surround him eternally in the peace of Heaven above.

Miles will be forever mourned by his mother, Deirdre, father, Rob, stepfather, Tony, stepmother, Tina, grandmother, Becky, brothers, Seamus and Patrick, and sister, Alyssa, his aunts, Maeve, Kendra, Moira, Shelagh, Beth, Lynne, Jane, Ronda, Mandy, Samantha, and Carmen, and uncles, Brendan, Kieran, Brian, Liam, Paul, Chris, Marty, and Lance, as well as cousins, Kamah, Nayou, Rebecca, Atlas, Rina, Wren, Teagan, Faolan, Molly, Brian, Heather, Clara, William, Stella, Siobhan, Roxey, John, Ceara, Caitlin, Molly, Liam, Liza, Madelyn, Moira, Chris, Brendan, Norah, Parker, Reed, Kieran, Gwen, Cora, Mischa, Kenneth, Kathleen, Nicholas, Mason, and Luke, and nieces, Eva and Jessa, and nephew, Carter, and the one he loved the most, Fallon.

In lieu of flowers, please say yes to the adventure. Life is short. Wear “High Vis.” “Could.”

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gilford Beach, 74 Varney Point Road, Gilford, NH, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 2 p.m. A motorcycle procession will meet at Patrick’s Pub at 1:30 p.m. to ride to Gilford Beach together.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.

This local obituary is published via Legacy.com and Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home. Want a loved one’s obituary featured on Boston.com? Submit your obituary here, or email it to [email protected].