Tom Collins was a friend for 42 years. We met as volunteers for the Bishop's Fund along with Joe Shields. Tom invited us to join the Ancient Order of the Hibernians where in 2020 he was recognized as Hibernian of the Year for his service, kindness and generosity. The Hibernians' gatherings have been a great source of fun and friendship for all of us these many years because of Tom.
Tom, Kevin, Jack and I played paddle ball and racquetball as a foursome for 40 years. Tom was the arbiter of contested calls because his honesty and integrity were unquestioned. Tom played hard. He played to win. He served others with the same determination to ensure that they would find help when needed.   Tom was a careful scholar of Irish history, political policy and economic theory. What he knew, he expressed with warmth and conviction. He never ridiculed another person, although he was comfortable correcting a false impression. Tom loved his wife, Patricia, who we knew was his best friend, and then came his daughters and their families, and then came his larger family and its history and then, we, his friends. We all thought Tom had his priorities right. 
When our son was sickened with legionnaires bacteria, in rehab and struggling to survive, Tom was there for us every Saturday and for his memorial masses. Tom will never be forgotten and his life will be celebrated by us forever. Bob and Kay 

The loss of a loved one is never easy, but it’s especially difficult when you’ve had a loved one who has had such a profound impact on your life. One who was always there for you and your family. That was my Papa, Tom Collins.

While our time together has been cut too short, I am grateful for having so many years of great memories. If you could count on anyone to be there for a life event, big or small, it was Papa with Nanny right by his side. He showed unwavering support for the whole family, our #1 fan. Without hesitation, he would spend hours in the bleachers to watch me run, drive hours to spend a weekend with me away at college, and attend every prom picture and graduation ceremony. Just to name a few. 

Nanny had recently shared with me a goal that her and Papa had made when they began their life together. Their goal was to build a home filled with love and happiness, a home where everyone felt welcome. They certainly did that. Together, they taught us the value of love, family, partnership, and teamwork.

I was so excited for this September, it was going to be our month. To celebrate Papa being awarded Hibernian of the Year and to celebrate my wedding a few weeks later. Now, we will be celebrating the beautiful life he lived and my wedding will have a significant void. While both events will not be the same without him there, I know he will be wearing his tuxedo and celebrating with us from above. 

Papa, thank you for always being there. Thank you for all of the great conversations on life, love and travel. Thank you for being the great man that you were. I am truly blessed to have had a grandfather like you. 

I love you so much and will miss you forever. 

Love,
Alyssa

As I sit here and reflect on all of the great memories we have shared together, I simply could not ask for a better role model than you, Papa. As our humble leader, you quietly did things out of the kindness of your heart and never complained. A more than loving grandfather, you were exceptionally devoted to our family. Your actions never went unnoticed, especially your unwavering support for all of your grandchildren. From the cold nights watching our football games, to the rainy track meets, you and Nanny were always there. I can not put into words how much it meant to me to see you two at practically every event I had. The most genuine, compassionate man who would do anything for his family. From the time I was a little boy, Mom always told me how much I reminded her of you, and that is the best compliment I could ever receive. I always hold back a grin when she says it, and today it brought me to tears thinking about it. You have truly left your mark on me and everyone around you, thank you for all that you have instilled in me. I most certainly would not be the man I am today without you. You taught me what it was to be a gentleman, gave lessons about life, educated me on our heritage, and emphasized the importance of family. I am reminded of you everyday I hear my name, Tom, and I am proud to say I am named after my grandfather. My biggest fan, my loving Papa. I am grateful for your guidance over the years and the many little things you have taught me, they will be with me forever. I love and miss you dearly Papa, until we meet again. 

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal."



How do you say thank you to a brother who was always by my side; who always had my back?  Being that Tom was 15 when I was born, there was never a time in my life without Pat, his girlfriend, who became my sister-in-law.  She read me books, tucked me in and Tom quietly waited for her to return to him. When our mom died when I was 12, it was this amazing couple who were always there.  They guided me and helped me throughout my life. Through good times and bad, they were always there. The love they showed for me was unconditional and they did everything they could to help me through good times and bad.  They’ve shown everyone what the meaning of true love is.  I watched their family grow and the love they’ve all shared for one another is amazing.  Tom was taken too soon but he left a legacy that everyone should aspire to. There was always Guinness in our fridge for Tom. Bobby toasted Tom on April 5th with a Guinness. Tom, you were a great son, brother, husband and grandfather. I hope we all aspire to be like you. They don’t come any better. You will always be in my heart. Love you...

My grandfather, Tom Collins (Papa),  was truly  an amazing grandfather and leader of our family. He was  supportive, intelligent, wise, humble, kind, hardworking and most importantly, loving.  These characteristics were firmly embedded within him. He never missed an event of any kind for any of his grandchildren. He was always there and his actions spoke louder than his words. I learned so many lessons by just observing him while working with him in the backyard. Whatever the task at hand, he was committed and patient. He ALWAYS finished what he started and never took any shortcuts. As a young man, I could not have asked for a better role model to set an example for me in life. Papa was unbelievable. His work ethic was contagious. In 2017 myself, Tim, AJ, Tommy, Chris and Papa built a stone pathway in his backyard.It was a total team effort behind Papa’s lead.  We loved spending this time with him because we all found joy in achieving the goal of building pathway together. 

 I loved talking with Papa about sports. He always wanted my teams to win because he knew how much it meant to me. My Mom would be on the phone with Nanny and they would relay the message to me. “Papa says nice win for the Jets today.” It would always put a smile on 
my face. I loved when the Olympics came around because I knew that he loved to watch them. I loved hearing him talk about the different events and various countries competing. He was so knowledgable of other countries and cultures, especially his beloved Ireland. I will be in Ireland in August and he will be on my mind the entire time. I will take a ton of pictures, just like he did whenever he traveled. My first pint of a true Irish Guinness in Dublin will be toasted to him. 

I love you and will miss you so much Papa. Ill make sure your story is told to our family for generations to come. Until I see you again.

-James Thomas

As I share the news with friends and family of your passing, all I can say is how blessed I have been to have you, Tom Collins, my father. Throughout the years, you always have shown our family how to work hard, support each other, and enjoy life to the fullest. It is your love of family, unconditional support, and dedication to us all that made you stand out. With very few words said...we all knew how you felt. You are  " The True Gentleman." Our stoic, humble leader, always dignified, and for that, we are loving, compassionate, and empathetic people. We have celebrated the most critical moments in our lives with you by our sides. For the rest of our lives, we will celebrate the life you have led, the life you created with Mom, your legacy of love and respect, and your quest for knowledge and adventure. You will always be with us because you have left an indelible mark on our hearts.



It was such a pleasure to spend time with you and Pat and get to know one of my best friends parents.  You were a great guy, father and grandfather.  Here is to a pint of Guinness up in heaven with my dad! 
              
                   "A Beautiful Life"
         
                     A beautiful life
                    that came to an end,
                    he died as he lived,
                    everyone's friend.
          In our hearts a memory will
                   always be kept,
                  of one we loved.

"Annonymous"
                 and will never forget.
            


Throughout my life I have had the pleasure of having numerous family members who have had a tremendous impact on me and who have helped influence me to become the man I am today. None greater than my Papa, Tom Collins. Papa has always been a man who I can look to for advice in a time of uncertainty. A proud, hardworking and well-accomplished man, who was remarkably humble and quiet. A man who was always there to lend a helping hand, and someone who was always in the stands cheering me on. My number 1 fan, my greatest supporter. Papa, along with my amazing Nanny, were there for all of their children and grandchildren in this way. 
Of all the lessons I’ve learned from Papa, the most crucial was the importance of family. He always showed his love and support, whether it be football, baseball, track, boy scouts, a road test, graduation, you name it, Papa was there. Although the days of Papa watching me from the stands are over, I could never put into words how much it meant to know that no matter when or where it was, whether it was sunny or snowing, that Papa would be there for you. That’s the kind of man he was.
   I'm going to miss our long talks after dinner, sitting at your table. I'm going to miss your stories, your advice and your hugs. 
   “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” Papa did exactly that. Him and Nanny have built such a beautiful family and made so many wonderful memories with all of us. The memories I have of Papa, and the lessons and values that he instilled in me will be with me forever.  Papa, I know a piece of you will always be with me, but I will always love and miss you so much. Cheers to you, and the beautiful life that you lived.

Having a grandfather like Papa was truly a blessing. Papa was one of a kind. He was humble, caring, kind, and extremely supportive. To put it this way, he was a man with a huge heart. 

I will never forget the summers we shared at Fire Island, waking up every morning to the smell of breakfast that Papa was already preparing for everyone. I will never forget all the wonderful pictures he shared of all the places he traveled to with my grandmother. Lastly, I will never forget how much he supported me in Cross Country and Track & Field; and the nickname he gave me, "Speedy." Papa knew how to put a smile on everyones face, especially mine. 

Thank you for the best times together Papa.  Speedy loves you and will miss you. 

From vacations spent on the shores of Fire Island to the  foothills of the Poconos, our memories are endless. Despite the amazing vacations we spent together, my favorite memories are those spent at your dinner table. After dinner we would share conversation about a variety of topics such as beer, history, sports and travel. You’d quietly pass along your experiences and wisdoms, I would intently listen. Through these conversations you have taught me many things including why not to mix Jameson with soda and the importance of always seeking out new adventures. Most importantly you taught me the values of perseverance, humility and love. I adored every second of it. I’m brought to tears knowing that it will be awhile before we share another conversation over a pint of Guinness. 

You are our quiet leader whose support, guidance and love never waivers. Words cannot express how proud I am to call you my Papa.

Thank you for coming to every game, teaching me about the “good beers,” and for being an amazing grandfather. I will carry on your legacy for the rest of my life.

“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Sláinte

While our time spent together over the years was too infrequent and short in duration, it fails to reflect how meaningful it was for Kay and me.  We looked forward to visiting for those events that allowed us to  catch up with Uncle Tom.  Whether it be speaking of past and future travel or family genealogy, it was always a pleasure.

While likely not known, Uncle Tom along with Aunt Pat inspired in me an interest in travel ever since hearing of trips to Ireland when I was young.  So much so that when Kay and I took our first non-work related overseas trip it was to Ireland and the itinerary was largely based upon Uncle Tom’s recommendation and guidance, a list of recommendations that Uncle Tom took the time to document on a cocktail napkin during a bat mitzvah after we’d discussed them. While we still have the guidance, I now find myself wishing that we still had that cocktail napkin.

Particularly enjoyed was the Dingle Peninsula where Uncle Tom steered us to, letting us know that there, we’d find no shortage of traditional Irish music. Traditional Irish music was something that I’d grown to appreciate in college but only with a curiosity being sparked by hearing it as a youth when visiting Uncle Tom’s and Aunt Pat’s.  The past two days have been spent listening to Irish music and sporadically crying.
   
Uncle Tom’s guidance was spot on with his having steered us to the authentic experiences that we were looking for. Despite having to prematurely flee the Dingle Peninsula due to hurricane Ophelia hitting Ireland it was by far our favorite part of the trip. Now I find myself look forward to nothing more than a time when we may go back to Dingle and raise a glass in memory of my Uncle.  I just hope not to turn into a crying mess in the middle of a pub while listening to the music that he loved so much and unknowingly introduced me to.

We loved and will miss you so much Uncle Tom - as we love you Aunt Pat.  While we may mourn separately, we do not do so alone.

OBITUARIO

Thomas J. Collins

21 febrero, 1943 – 5 abril, 2020

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

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