Larry was a fellow Cohort and inspiring person. We all shared many grate moments throughout our doctoral program. He will be missed. My wife Maylin and myself send the deepest condolences to his family. 

Marc Scavuzzo 

I am truly saddened to hear the news of Larry's passing. I served as Larry's dissertation committee chair and worked with him from 2017 until he became Dr. Collins earlier this year.  He worked so hard to balance his family, work, and school responsibilities - and I never heard him complain.  Larry was not only my student, but he was also a friend and I will really miss him.  Although we planned it, we didn't get the chance to enjoy our celebration dinner together, but his dissertation committee will certainly celebrate his life and accomplishments. 

To the Collins Family,

I am sorry for you loss. Larry was a great person. We partnered on many projects together in pursuit of our Doctorate. Larry would always talk about his love for his family and his passion for fire fighting. I learned a lot from him, and it was an honor to be both a classmate and a friend. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry was a great person and a great student.  Very dedicated and had a great sense of humor.  I’m shocked to hear of your loss and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.  He will be missed.

On behalf of the DBA program at Saint Leo University, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Collins.

Dale Mancini
Director of the DBA Program
Saint Leo University 


Larry Collins was a great man with a loud and humorous personality. I would not have graduated with my doctoral degree intact without his humor.

Jeanne, Brandon, Aaron and Cory,  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this time.  Larry was a kind man who touched so many lives in such a positive way.  He was a wonderful role model as a basketball coach at Immaculate Conception, one I know my son will never forget.  May he rest in peace and may time bring you all peace and comfort.  You are all in our prayers!

It was an honor to work for Larry. He was a hard worker and made every minute count. The City of Louisville is better for Larry being a part of it and his influence upon the City will endure.  We will miss Larry’s smile, sense of humor, and honesty. He was a great human being. As long as I live I will remember him and what I have learned from him.  And to his son, who I do not really know, I wanted you to know how proud your dad was of you. He often shared stories about you and your accomplishments.  I know that no matter how many times you hear how much your father was proud of you or how much he loved you it is not enough…so I wanted you to hear it from a stranger one more time.  I will miss Larry.

Robert Duffrin - City of Louisville 

So Sorry for Your Loss! I worked under Chief Collin's for alot of years.  It was an Honor and a Privilege knowing Him.  He will be greatly Missed.  Keeping His Family and Friends IN MY THOUGHTS and PRAYERS.  He May Be Gone, But He will Never Be Forgotten.  May He Rest In HEAVENLY PEACE.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Larry. Our prayers and condolences to the Jeanne and the family. We only had the privledge of knowing Larry for a brief time. We loved and respected Larry as a person. We know he was the best City Manager Louisville ever had. It's a great loss for his family and great loss for the City of Louisville. We can only imagine what he would have accomplished at Louiisville. We are sure it would have been great. The few times that Martha met with Jeanne left an immpression of what a good person she is. We mourn for Larry today and we know he will be missed by all.
God Bless,
Dick & Martha Slackford
Louisville, Ohio

Meeting up with you guys at Clancy’s in June was just like good old times, without skipping a beat.  For many years we were inseparable as parents of teammates in baseball, football and basketball, both as spectators and as father/coaches.  Larry showed his love for his boys and his wife, Jeanne on a daily basis.  We experienced the pleasure of seeing this side of Larry that many people did not have the opportunity of seeing.  Credit Union Dinner Dance left us always trying new dancing adventures (dancing on tables, dancing in the parking lot, and Chinese “fire drill” on Smithville Road).  We will miss you, Larry, but your legacy will carry on in the three great men you and Jeanne raised.

Jeannie, Brandon, Aaron, Cory and families, 
Keeping your broken hearts in prayer for strength and comfort....we hope somehow you will feel the love and support that so many send you.....Take care of each other....just like Larry taught you all by example💔🙏

To Jeanne and the rest of the Collins Family-

As I write this, tears streaming down my face, I can only imagine the depth and pain of your grief.  Larry was one of the finest and brightest people we have ever had the privilege of knowing.  His love for Jeannie, was always obvious.  Equally obvious was his huge love and pride in his children, his grandchildren, and in his whole family.  We shared countless laughs as we mutually shared family stories.  Larry was also never afraid to make fun of himself and laugh at himself, we know that to be the mark of a secure and happy man.  One of Larry's greatest strengths was his strong intellect and relentless pursuit of knowledge.  It was a privilege to write a letter of recommendation as he began the Doctoral studies that he eventually successfully concluded.

And now, some thoughts for Larry:

Larry, congratulations for a life well-lived,  thanks for all you have helped often with no notice....enjoy your heavenly reward.  It may not be at Co. 7, but we are sure we will meet again in a heavenly bar and laugh ourselves into the night again.  Until then we will remember you and your whole family in our thoughts and prayers.
                                                                                     Bill & Mary Grilliot

We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered.  Your husband Larry was always kind in our interactions.   Our condolences.   Your neighbors, Chance and Natasha.

May you now find peace . 

Captain John Moe / DFD Retired . 

We are so sorry for your loss.  Wishing you peace to bring you comfort and the courage to face the days ahead and memories to hold in your hearts.

Dad,

I don’t even have words to say what I’m feeling now.  You were my biggest critic and my biggest supporter.  If it wasn’t for your stern guidance I wouldn’t be the fire officer I am.  I never would’ve gone to medic school and got hired so young.  You showed me to never settle and keep moving forward.  I hope I’ve made you proud and I hope I can make a difference in as many young firefighters and people that you have.  It is overwhelming how many people say that you directly impacted their personal and professional life.  I’ll spend the rest of my life being a role model for others and as good a father as you were to us.  I hope I can be as good to Ash as you were to mom and  make these kids as good as I think you made me.

 I can’t wait to have a Smithwick’s with you when I get there.  I’ll miss you until then!! 

I love you and will do what I can to do your legacy justice.  I fear I can never live up to what you were but I will try.

Love 

Bran

Jeanne, we were so saddened to hear of Larry's passing.  You and he  raised such a wonderful family together and it must be so difficult for all of you.  Please know that you are in our hearts at this time.  Much love from Maria and Marcel Aebi

Chief - your impact on my life is hard to put into words.  You gave me one of my best friends, and you led the fire department that I love so much.  You welcomed Brandon’s friends into your home and family as if we were all your own.  Your technical knowledge of the fire service always left me in awe.  It was my pleasure to have known you.  To the Collins family - you’re all in our thoughts are prayers, and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to help you through this sad time.  -Brad

Dear Jeanne,
Russ and I were saddened to learn of the death of Larry. We have such fond memories of our times together at the Metro Chiefs Conferences. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.  We hope you find comfort in knowing Larry is resting in the loving arms of Jesus. 

I had the opportunity to work with Larry when he was the Fire Chief of Brevard County, FL.  He was a leader and a friend and I was honored to serve with him.  We just had dinner with Larry & Jeanne 5 weeks ago and it was a wonderful evening catching up and hearing about the Collins’ family adventures.  While still in a state of shock over this news, Marion and I send our love, prayers and condolences to Jeanne and the family.  Cherish each day!

Howard Tipton, Brevard County Manager (retired)

I have so many wonderful and funny memories of Larry. His years as Dayton’s fire chief were some of the best years of my time at Dayton Fire.  I will miss him forever. God bless you Jeanne and family. May He give you all strength. 

OBITUARY

Dr. Larry L Collins

November 2, 1958 – September 24, 2021

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

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