Mystic — Peter Edward Collins of Mystic and North Miami Beach, Fla., passed away on Friday, May 14, 2004, at The Westerly Hospital in Rhode Island, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1927, in Lynbrook, New York.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and went on to retire from a career in the U.S. Coast Guard. He owned and operated two restaurants in Niantic and retired from the Town of Groton School system where he served as the director of food services.
He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rose; his two daughters, Donna Collins Piemonte and her husband Peter of western Massachsuetts, and Beverly Fortune and her husband Logan and his grandsons, Patrick and Parker Fortune of Rocky Hill, Conn.; his sisters, Dorothy Fawcett of Leesburg, Fla., Marge Dowling of West Palm, Fla., and Shirley Murray of Long Island, N.Y.; and his best friend, John Riccardi of Noank.
Peter will be best remembered for his commitment to helping the less fortunate through his support and involvement in many charities. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Mystic and St. Mary Magdeline Church in Sunny Isles, Fla., the Mystic Seaport, and the Groton Elks.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2004, at the Coast Guard Academy Chapel in New London, followed by a reception at the Officer's Club at the academy.
The Collins family is especially grateful for the diligent care and warm, personal attention given to him by Dr. Roy Main of Mystic and the nurses of The Westerly Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Westerly Hospital Foundation, 25 Wells Street, Westerly, RI 02891, a community supported hospital which relies on contributions to sustain the continuing quality care services.
DIRECTIONS TO THE CHAPEL:(From Rte. 95)...Take Exit 83 (Frontage Road)...Then follow signs for The Coast Guard Academy...Enter through Academy Gates, bear right...Chapel is at the top of the hill.