...Retired U. Mass-Lowell Police Dispatcher...
TEWKSBURY: Joseph A. Rollins, Jr., age 68, a resident of Tewksbury for 37 years, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 6, 2004 at the Winchester Hospital from complications during surgery.
He was the husband of Barbara (LaRovere) Rollins who died June 3, 2001.
Born in Chelsea, Mass on August 13, 1935, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Florence (Peacock) Rollins.
Mr. Rollins was raised in Everett. He attended Everett schools and Everett Vocational High School.
Mr. Rollins enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged four years later.
Prior to his retirement in 1999, he was employed as a dispatcher for the U. Mass-Lowell Campus Police, where he worked for 19 years. During his career, he received multiple commendations. In 1996, he received a phone call from a person contemplating suicide. He spoke for 35 minutes trying to calm the person and secure information which was used by an area police department to intervene and assure the individual’s safety. In addition, he worked part time for nearly 35 years as a driver for a Lowell Cab Company and had many regular fares and friends.
During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and vacationing throughout the northeast with his late wife.
He is survived by 1 daughter; Gail A. Garvey and her husband Leo F. Garvey of Mastic Beach, Long Island, NY; 2 sons; Alan J. Rollins of Nashua, NH and David W. Rollins and his wife Catherine (Ramsey) of Woburn; 2 sisters; Linda Camarra and her husband Anthony of Lyme, CT and Jean Rollins of Everett; 2 brothers; Robert Rollins and his wife Maryanne (DeFilipo) of Peabody and Richard Rollins and his wife Lillian (Coolen) of Wakefield; 6 grandchildren; Laura and Alan J. Rollins, Jr. both of Danville, NH, April Garvey of Florida, NY, Leo Garvey of Brooklyn, NY, Samantha and Ashley Rollins both of Tewksbury.; also many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the FARMER & DEE FUNERAL HOME, 16 LEE ST., TEWKSBURY. Funeral Services Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.