John M. Collins Sr.

Schenectady – John M. Collins Sr. passed away on Sunday, September 30th, 2018 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born October 12th, 1929 in Watertown, NY, John was predeceased by his parents Hubert and Mildred Collins and sister Janet. He graduated from Watertown HS in 1947 and received his Associates Degree from Canton Agricultural & Technical College. John was later hired by GE in Schenectady and furthered his education at Union College. John became the group leader in the Senior Standard Group Department at KAPL, retiring after 40 years of service. John recently celebrated his 65th anniversary with the love of his life, Elena. He was immediately welcomed into her large family and devoted his life to doing whatever he could to lend his support to one and all. John lived his life with integrity and kindness, helping not only his family, but anyone in need of a kind word or gesture. Content with the simple things in life, he loved nothing more than to spend time with family, especially at his beloved cottage on Lake Ontario. There he enjoyed working on projects, spending time on the water, watching the hummingbirds and ending the day by gazing at the beautiful sunsets on the lake. Being a Watertown native, he was also especially fond of all things winter. John’s community service speaks to the kind of man he was. He spent several years as a member of the Air National Guard; served on the Schenectady Public School Board of Education; volunteered at St. Claire’s Hospital and Schenectady Civic Center and; donated over 8 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. His lifelong devotion to helping others included his consistent support of charities aiding people, animals and the environment. He is survived by his wife, Elena (Helen) Scripa Collins; children, Mary Collins Harney, son, John M. Collins Jr.; grandchildren, Nicole Collins, Erica Harney and Michael Harney; “son-in-law”, Daniel Harney; sisters-in-law, Virginia Varrone and Carmela Scripa, and brother-in-law Lou (Rose) Scripa. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend our profound thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff of the B2 Neuro ICU at Albany Medical Center. Services will be held on Saturday at 10 am from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, and then to St. Anthony’s Church, Seward Place, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home Friday evening from 5 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in John’s memory to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (StJude.org) or Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York, PO Box 5782, Albany NY 12205.

John M. Collins Sr.

October 12, 1929 - September 30, 2018