SPRINGFIELD - Stephen J. Collins, Jr., 96, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a Correctional Officer for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department. Stephen enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Bruins. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn. He leaves his daughters, Deborah DiSanti and her husband, Samuel, Jeanne Collins, and Susan Pioggia and her husband, Tony; his grandchildren, Sara, Nicholas, and Michael; his great grandchildren, Dominic, Charlotte, Stella, and Carter; and his nephews, nieces, and friends including his dearest friend, Eric Perez and his family, Johnathan, Jason, Eric Jr., and Lillian. His funeral will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. A Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Mass at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to his Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baystate Medical Center, Children's Miracle Network, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com