William J. Collins, a 5 year resident of Spring Hill, Florida and formerly of Charlestown and Saugus, died on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Brooksville Regional Hospital in Brooksville, Florida following a lengthy illness. He was 59 years old.
Bill was born in Boston on June 26, 1951 to the late James J. and Marguerite F. (O'Brien) Collins. He grew up in Charlestown and attended Boston Public Schools and Charlestown High School. Bill enlisted into the United States Army on January 26, 1970 and served his country proudly and honorably during the Vietnam Conflict.He was discharged on November 13, 1972 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bill worked as a custodian for the Boston Public School system for over 20 years and was a member of Carpenters Union Local # 33. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, A.V.A.S.T., Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus and The Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association. Bill was a devoted friend of "Bill W."
Bill is the beloved husband of Theresa (McLaughlin) Collins. He is the devoted father of William H. "Harry" Collins of Spring Hill, Florida and Michelle Manning of Spring Hill Florida. He is the beloved brother of James Collins and his wife Johanna of Mansfield, Betty Ann Collins of Braintree and Paul Collins and his wife Mary of Reading. He is the loving uncle of several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill's Funeral on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 9 a.m. from the Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. Cremation will take place following his funeral mass. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, March 17, 2011 "St. Patrick's Day" from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Bill's name to The Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.