Thomas "Tom" Edward Collins, 79 of Lynn, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 after a lengthy illness.
Tom was born on September 7, 1936 in Lynn, to Irving Henry and Mable (Hennessy) Collins. He graduated from St Mary's High School in 1954. He joined the Army in 1958 as a helicopter crew chief and was stationed in Nelligan, Germany during the Berlin Crisis. After the service, he was employed as a milkman for Happy Valley Dairy in Wakefield MA. He worked 27 years at the Mobil Gas station 423 Boston St. and worked a couple of years at McLaughlin's Car & Truck Repair Center. At the age of 60 when most are thinking of retiring, he was hired by the US Postal Service, working in vehicle maintenance, retiring in 2010 at the age of 75. He was an associate member of the Hibernian Hall in Lynn and was a softball coach for their league in the 70's. He loved going out on "Grampy's boat" most summer weekends fishing for flounder and trolling for stripers. He loved the Red Sox and Patriots. You could find him most mornings at the Little River Inn with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. He loved listening to his police radio and being outdoors and spending time with Pennie, affectionately known as his great grand dog.
Tom is survived by his wife Gloria (Leger) Collins with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, his five daughters; Reverend Donna Spencer Collins and her wife Audrey of Haverhill, Denise Ramsdell and her partner Paul Lahaie of Nashua NH, Karen Kiersey of Laconia NH, Janice and the late Kevin Noonan of Manteca CA, Kathie Collins of Revere and his son, Thomas (Tommy) E. Collins Jr. of Lynn; 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He also leaves Patricia and the late John Flaherty of Hudson and Janet Collins of Lynn, Henry Collins and his wife Katherine of Blairsville GA, George Collins and his wife Florence of Lynn, John "Jackie" Collins and his wife Cathy of Nashua NH and Father James Collins of Cranston RI., cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Elaine Collins SSJ.
Calling hours will be on Friday April 1, 2016 from 4:00 until 8:00pm in the Goodrich Funeral Home 128 Washington St, Lynn.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday followed by a collation in the church hall at First Church in Swampscott Congregational 40 Monument Ave, Swampscott, a private burial will take place the following week.
Memorials may be made in his honor to Phoenix Rising United Church of Christ, 62 John Ward Ave, Haverhill MA 01830.