LOWELL—Richard A. Collins, 71 years old, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died Friday at the Lowell General Hospital. He was the husband of forty four years to Clara (Mooney) Collins, who survives him.
He was born in Lowell, a son of the late Walter A. and Bessie (Wiggins) Collins, and was educated in the Lowell Schools.
Mr. Collins was a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard, serving from October of 1947 until his final discharge in October of 1967. He served during both the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam War.
He served as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 10 at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and as a Cub Scout Leader for Pack 181 at Community Teamwork. He retired From Zoltec Industries, of Lowell, in 1989, where he was employed as a Lab Technician. He was a Citizens Band Radio enthusiast and was known by the handle “Parliament”. He was also a member of the Lowell Camera Club.
Surviving him besides his wife are a son: Mark Collins, of Tampa, FL; six grandchildren: Melissa Collins, of Lowell; Susan, Matthew and Kyle Collins, all of Billerica; and Cody and Sean Collins, of Tampa, FL; two great grandchildren: William and Racheal Mahigen, of Lowell; a sister and brother-in-law: Mary and Scott Hume, of Lowell; a brother and sister-in-law: Rev. Walter and Alice Collins, of Albany, NY; a niece: Cheryl Collins, of Albany, NY; a nephew: Scott Hunter, of Lowell and many cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service to be held Saturday June 22nd, at 5 PM at ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association; 20 Speen Street; Framingham, MA 01701-4688.