Dr. John Collins
Dr. John Collins, 77, of Pleasantville passed away Mar. 8 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
His wake will be held at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Pleasantville.
John was born on Dec. 15, 1943, in New York City to Patrick and Kathleen Collins. He earned a bachelor’s of engineering from Manhattan College, a master’s from Columbia University and he went on to earn his doctorate from New York University.
John started John Collins Engineers, a successful traffic and transportation consulting business, which he led with his close business partner, Dr. Phil Grealy, for more than 30 years before selling to Maser Consulting. He was a passionate teacher of the civil engineering profession, teaching at both Manhattan College and Westchester Community College (WCC), retiring as chairman of the Engineering Department at WCC.
He married Julia Brady Collins on Aug. 16, 1969. Together they raised three children, their pride and joy, Trish, John and Michael; he loved their spouses, Neil, Ali and Merry, and six grandchildren, Norah and Matthew, Jake and Libby and Rose and Grant.
John, known as Dad, Grandpa, Pee Paw and UJ, was the most loving and caring man anyone could know. Family was the most important thing in his life. He was very thoughtful, immensely kind and overwhelmingly generous to all who met him. He had a calming presence and influence that resonated with everyone. Time with John was time well spent.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of more than 51 years, Judy, and their children, spouses and grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Patrick and James, and their families; his brother Edward’s family; and many nieces, nephews, colleagues, associates and friends who absolutely adored him. He is predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Kathleen, and his brother, Edward.
John was very strong in his faith and community and for that reason the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Holy Innocents Parish in Pleasantville.
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