Laurence Collins III

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Laurence Collins III, 58, of Dongan Hills, a retired oil burner mechanic and salesman who is remembered as goodhearted and hardworking, died Friday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

Born in Brooklyn, he grew up in Marine Park and graduated from James Madison High School in his native borough. He moved to South Beach in 1988, and also lived in New Dorp before settling in Dongan Hills about four years ago.

Mr. Collins worked for Approved Oil in Brooklyn for 30 years. He first was an oil burner mechanic, then became a salesman for the company. He retired due to illness about six months ago.

He was a cancer survivor, twice beating Stage IV cancer 20 years ago, and worked during his battle with the disease, family said.

Mr. Collins was a sports fan and rooted for the New York Rangers, Giants, Yankees and Knicks. He had coached youth basketball at Holy Rosary School in earlier years.

He also was a volunteer for Catholic Charities through his employer, helping with fundraisers and other activities.

"He was a wonderful man, kind and goodhearted, and respectful to others," said his wife, Patricia Albano-Collins. "He was energetic and happy. And he was a good father."

Surviving Mr. Collins, along with his wife, Patricia, are his sons, Laurence IV and Michaelp his daughters, Melissa Collins and Ailey Alena Rose Collins; his stepdaughter, Alexi Rose Steinard; a brother, Shawn, and three sisters, Theresa Sinclair, Kathleen Durant and Kelly Maloney.

The funeral will be Tuesday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's R.C. Church, both Dongan Hills. Arrangements include cremation.