Richard Frederick Collins Sr.

Richard was born in Scarborough on May 29, 1927, one of 10 children born to Perley and Ella Collins. A lifelong resident of Pine Point, he attended Scarborough schools and left at the age of 16 to join the Navy.

He went to the naval recruiter in Portland in 1944 and forged his birth certificate to show he was 17 years old. When asked if his birth certificate was true because he looked too young, he said he couldn't tell a lie and admitted his real age. Informed that the Merchant Marines would accept 16 year olds, he walked down the street and enlisted the same day. He served in the Merchant Marines until he could join the Navy, where he went on to serve tours of duty in the Seabee Corps in New York, Rhode Island, San Francisco and Guam. He returned to Scarborough in 1946, where he worked for Conroy's Garage and Oil Service for 42 years until his retirement.

On January 17, 1948, he married Rachel Breton of Biddeford, whom he met while working at Snow's Cannery after his time in the Navy.

Richard was a great storyteller, and enjoyed golfing, walking on the beach, woodworking and bowling. He bowled for three different teams, one of which was the Knights of Columbus team. He was a member of the Saco/Biddeford Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. He served as a reserve police officer for the Town of Scarborough. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rachel; his son, Richard Jr and his wife, Jacqueline of Scarborough; his brother, Roland of Harrison, NJ; 4 grandchildren, Kathleen and her husband, Timothy, of Keene, NH; Kelly and her husband, Michael, of Southold, NY; Kristin and her husband, Brent, of Scarborough; Kevin and his wife, Shannon, of Buxton; 9 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kelsey, Jackson, Kaitlyn, Evan, Andrew, Samantha, Delaney and Ryan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all of his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church 150 Black Point Road Scarborough which will be celebrated on Saturday February 27, 2016 at 11:00AM. Interment will follow at Scarborough Memorial Cemetery Old Blue Point Road in Scarborough, Maine. In lieu of flowers donations can be given in Richard’s memory to the Maine Veterans Home 290 US Route One Scarborough, Maine 04074. On-Line Condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.