Donald Collins

Donald Raymond Collins (Don), age 90, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia E. Collins. He leaves behind his sister in law, Ms. Lou McCure, nieces, nephews and many devoted friends.

Donald was born in Genoa, New York on October 1st, 1930, the son of Raymond and Louise Collins. He grew up on a farm, and his father owned and operated an automobile repair shop. Donald soon began building car engines, and learned how to operate everything with a motor.

Donald was a graduate of Cornell University earning his degree in Electrical Engineering and had served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps. assigned to an advanced in the newly forming television training division for the entire U.S. Army. During this time he met Patricia Carr whom he married on March 13, 1956, his loving and devoted wife of 63 years.

Following his discharge from the military, Donald began his career in the Engineering Department of ABC Television network. Donald went on to design and build the first Educational Television Station in New York City as well as design and built the video tape production facility for Ampex. Later, Videotape Productions of New York was formed where Donald served as Vice-President of Engineering for 17 years.

Following his years with Videotape Productions of New York, Donald was offered and accepted a position to sell a new line of Television Broadcast Zoom Lenses which were developed by The Jose Schneider Optical Company of Germany. Donald's new company was offered exclusive rights to North America and in time his business grew and prospered to a worldwide clientele and many new friends.

Eventually Donald would come to sell his business to enter into retirement with his wife Patricia. They spent years traveling and cruising the rivers of Europe and China. They enjoyed yachting and many wonderful memories on their yacht, The Merry Makers. They truly loved their adventures and their many friends.

Donald was an active member in many community organizations and generously supported Cornell University. He was honored to serve as Commodore of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club in 1995, and remained an active member of the Captains Club. He was also a member of the Lauderdale Yacht Club where he served as an active member of the Restless Weasels Club.

Family and friends will be celebrating Donald’s and Patricia’s Life at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, on Sunday July 18th, 2021 at 4:00pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 718 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.