Charles F. Collins, 77
Dateline: Cataumet, MA
Charles F. Collins, 77, of Cataumet, passed away on Friday February 24, 2012 at the Village of Willow Crossing in Mansfield. He was the beloved husband of Edythe A. (Kelly) Collins, to whom he was wed on November 28, 1959.
Born in Lawrence, MA on March 5, 1934, he was a son of the late Cornelius F. and Alice V. (Cullen) Collins.
Chuck spent his early childhood living in Lawrence. His family later moved to Newton where he was educated and was a graduate of Newton North High School. He furthered his education and was a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and later received his masters degree in education from Bridgewater State College.
During the Korean War, he faithfully served his country as an officer in the United States Navy. On December 5, 1958, he was honorably discharged from the service with the rank of LTJG.
A resident of Cataumet for the past 45 years, Mr. Collins was a retired engineer at Canal Electric in Sandwich. Following a career that spanned over 25 years, he retired with the position of chief engineer.
Chuck’s hobbies included sailing, playing golf, and walks along the Cape Cod Canal. He enjoyed discussing politics, was an avid New England sports fan and also enjoyed vacations spent in Fort Meyers, Florida.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 52 years, he is survived by his devoted children; Beth A. Collins of Waltham, Charles F. “Chuck” Collins of Mansfield, Jennifer L. Watka and her husband Alan of Sharon, Amy S. Collins of Brookline, John A. Collins of Hyannis and the late Christine M. Collins. The dear brother of Marion Strange of Andover, Connie Smedley of Satellite Beach, Florida, Virginia Flowerday of Holland, Michigan and Marjorie Austin of Greensboro, North Carolina, he is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Anna and Matthew Watson, Caelan and Michael Collins, and Kelly, Meghan and Erik Watka, as well as several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Thursday March 1st at 9:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow at 11:30 A.M. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday February 29th from 4-7 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
Due to floral restrictions at the National Cemetery, Mr. Collin’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 www.alzmass.org
For additional information, please visit www.shermanjackson.com