Mr. Robert L. Collins, of Woburn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 6th, at the Aberjona Nursing Home in Winchester following lengthy period of declining health. He was 88. Bob, as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy L. (Furbush) Collins. Born in the Newtonville section of Newton he was the son of the late William L. and Nora M. (Higgins) Collins.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Woburn and as a young boy was an avid horseback rider winning many different riding competitions. He was a member of the Woburn High School graduating class of 1942. Following high school Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and proudly and honorably served his country during WWII from 1943 to 1946. Upon his return home from his service, Bob met the love of his life, Dorothy, while roller skating at the Ballaroo Skating rink in Medford. The young couple soon married and began a family. Bob enrolled at the Bentley School of Accounting and after the completion of his studies he began a career with the John Hancock Life Insurance Company where he worked as an auditor for over thirty years.

Always active, Bob was always willing to do what it took to help others in need. He volunteered and raised money for many different charitable causes. He was a forty plus year member of the Woburn Host Lions Club and served as the clubs president in 1976, and currently holding the status of Honorary Member. Bob was also a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Woburn Elks and for a short time he served on the Citizen's Advisory Group in Woburn. His leisure time was spent enjoying the outdoors, boating on Lake Winnipesauke and spending time at his second home in Laconia, NH. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family, together making many lasting memories of good and happy times.

Bob is survived by his devoted children, Robert L. Collins Jr. and his wife Mary of Woburn, Diane Sahin and her husband Joseph of Clearwater, FL, Laurie Guy and her husband Jim of Wilmington, Debbie Malone and her husband Steve of Woburn, Dan Collins and his wife Krista of Woburn. He is also survived by 18 loving grandchildren and 5 loving great grandchildren. He was the brother of Anne Ginivan of Stoneham, Brenda Tedesco of Woburn, John Collins of Burlington, the late Rosemary Stima and Eugene Collins.

Family and friends will gather at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Saturday, November 10th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Friday from 4 thru 8 p.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bob's memory to MA Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 6050, New Bedford, MA 02740 or the American Red Cross of Eastern MA, 139 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02142.