Michael "Mickey" James Collins Sr.

Raised during 
the Great Depression, young Mickey stood on breadlines and shined the shoes of soldiers coming home from World War II (he often stated the Navy gave the best tips). 
He frequently took the subway into the city to attend The Kips Bay Boys Club. His swimming pool was the East River where he was revered for his diving and swimming 
capabilities. Always on the go, he was notable for his athletic prowess lasting him well 
into his late 80’s, with him often sharing how he dreamt of being a movie stuntman. 


From 1954 to 1956 Mickey proudly served his country in the United States Army. He 
then found his way to the West Coast living in Las Vegas, working as a Baccarat dealer and also Southern California, delivering liquor to Hollywood’s top stars of the Golden age (his 
favorite being Louis Prima). On one visit home to New York, he was in a lounge where he was approached by a vivacious young woman from Brooklyn named, Patricia Black, who opened with “You look like you just came from California” to which he retorted, “I did!” and
from then onward she would be referred to as "Babydoll".

Mickey and Babydoll officially started dating on New Years of 1961.

They were married on July 22,1961 sharing almost 65 years together.

On June 2nd, 1962 he commenced his career with the FDNY, stationed at Engine 233 in Brownsville Brooklyn.

In 1962 he welcomed his first son and his namesake, Michael James Collins Jr. who 
would follow in his footsteps also serving in the United States Army and the FDNY. His 
second born, the late Robert “Bobby” Scott Collins also patterned after his father as he 
was the life of every party and was a gifted athlete. His youngest child and only daughter Nancy (“With the 
Laughing Face”) Anne Collins, inherited his selflessness and unrelenting giving nature. 
She too worked in the Civil Service as a NYPD Officer.

In 1970 he went to Engine 264 in Far Rockaway. Then in 1975 he 
made Lieutenant and went to 28 Truck in Harlem. In 1980 he went to Ladder 121 in Rockaway. In 1990 he retired out of Engine 265, nearly 30 years ablaze with experience and an unparalleled bond with his FDNY brothers.


Always the dutiful provider, 
Mickey in addition to working for the FDNY worked as a Bank Teller, as he had such 
precision with math and numbers. Family and friends regularly would turn to Mickey for assistance with applications, taxes and homework. 


In 2002 Mickey earned his most treasured title of being “Pop- Pop” to his only 
grandchild, Kassidy Rose Collins. The two were as he would call them the “Bestest Buddies in the Whole Wide World”. They were kindred spirits sharing many bonds but none stronger than their unwavering faith.

When people think of Mickey they usually think of the “Funnyman” but unbeknownst to many he was extremely well-read and thoughtful. He regularly left loved ones notes and quotes with his impeccable penmanship. He was meticulous with an ironing board, even down to his pocket hanky. 
Mickey’s greatest talent was as a people person. People gravitated to Mickey and he 
was a great friend to everyone he met. When you hear the name Mickey Collins, you might remember his magnetic personality, jovial dancing, golfing abilities and his 
contagious smile. His favorite song was “La Vie en Rose" which loosely translates to “life 
through rose-colored glasses”which is how he lived his life; making the best of every 
hand he was dealt. 
Mickey enjoyed golfing, dancing, playing cards, and attending church. 
He was part of the Holy Name Society as well as the Emerald Society and had a 
passion for people and helping others. He was a friend to all he met and was adored by 
his family and friends.

Mickey was not only a loving father and adored grandfather, but he was beloved by so many; especially his siblings: Theresa Madden(William Madden) and James Collins; his in-laws, Kathy and Bob Carpentier, Miriam Black and his predeceased brother-in-law, the late, James Black, as well as his nieces, nephews and great-nieces.

Despite his humble beginnings, Mickey was living proof that life is what you make of it. Someone with a profound moral compass and an unmatched self-lessness, Mickey was 
one of a kind. He will be sorely missed and always loved. We will live on through him and live our lives the way he did; with kindness, humility, laughter and an open heart.

Visitation will be held in the Frederick Room on June 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, and again in the Frederick Room on June 17, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

You can share memories of Mickey and condolences on our website: Boyd-Spencer.com