William F. Collins

William "Bill" Collins, 77, of Plymouth and Fort Myers, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 28, surrounded by his loving family. Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dr. Anne (Sullivan); their son Tim and wife Sarah (Young) of East Greenwich, RI; and son Steve and wife Kelly (Manning) of Hingham. He was a beloved grandfather to Abby, Emma, Seamus, Jackson, and Hunter. He was preceded in death by two infant sons.

Growing up in Forest Hills, Bill was rarely seen without a baseball glove or golf club in hand. He played baseball in the competitive Boston Park League and earned a single-digit handicap in golf, winning multiple club championships. Beyond his own accomplishments, however, Bill’s true passion was teaching others the game he loved.

Bill was a graduate of Boston College High School and St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Stories of his time in Canada are legendary, with adventures that included joining the Royal Canadian Air Force with a student ID, singing on stage with Anne Murray, and regularly hitchhiking from Canada to Boston to visit his future wife.

While serving in the Army National Guard, Bill married Anne, the love of his life. He then dedicated 25 years to the MBTA, working as an operator, supervisor, and station master. A devoted family man and active community member, Bill was the Scoutmaster for BSA Troop 117 in Weymouth, coached youth baseball, and held elected positions in local government. His commitment to others left a lasting impact. Bill will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, July 9, from 4-7 PM at Sullivan Funeral Home (551 Washington Street, Hanover). A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of the Angel's Parish (St. Mary's) (392 Hanover Street, Hanover). Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Roxbury. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund (300 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton, MA 02766) or BSA Troop 1 Hingham (PO Box 266, Accord MA 02018).