John "Jack" Collins

COLLINS, JOHN “Jack”, 77, of Jupiter, Florida passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2023 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Laura (Verre) Collins and his four children, Ame Furey (Michael), Nicole Collins Hallinan, John David Collins (Almalina), and Laura Collins. He was a devoted grandfather to Caden, Jack, Mikey, Jake, Patrick, and Liliana. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Collins, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, James Collins.

Born in Worcester, MA on January 7, 1946 to the late Richard J Collins and Mary (Foley) Collins, Jack attended Saint Anselm College on a basketball scholarship. To this day, his St. A’s classmates continue to be amongst the most important and meaningful relationships of his life.

After graduating, Jack proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Heroic Achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander with the First Marine Division, a Purple Heart for Wounds Sustained in Combat, and other distinguished service medals before he retired as a Captain in the Marine Corps Reserves. Jack was a proud Marine and considered service to his country one of the greatest honors of his life.

Known as a consummate professional with a great sense of people, Jack built a successful career in medical device sales at Medtronic, Inc. and St. Jude Medical. He was grateful to have a job he truly loved and considered it a privilege to help people live longer and better lives. Even in his retirement, Jack spoke fondly and often of the meaningful relationships he made while working in hospitals throughout the New York City area.

As a long-time member of Sleepy Hollow Country Club and Jupiter Country Club, Jack was a golfer who appreciated a round (or two) anywhere and anytime. The trips he took with his friends and as a member of the SHCC’s MacDonald Cup team were some of his most treasured memories. Jack made close friends wherever he went and his retirement to Jupiter was no different. Every morning he woke up and declared it “another day in paradise.” His time was well spent playing golf, traveling, and creating happy memories with his family and friends.

Nothing brought Jack more joy than his wife Laura, children, and grandchildren. He took great pride in the family he and Laura created. A family BBQ, grandkids’ sporting events, or watching a TV show together - it was the simple things with his family that made him the happiest.

Jack will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a devoted grandparent, and a loyal friend. His life was rich with laughter and memories, and his final months were spent reflecting on a life he could only describe as “wonderful”.

Visiting hours are July 13, 2023 from 4PM – 8PM at Waterbury and Kelly Funeral Home, 1300 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor. His funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10AM in Saint Theresa’s Church, 1394 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Dana Farber, The Michael Variano Fund (https://bit.ly/3eReldm) and The Center for Discovery (The Center for Discovery P.O. Box 840 Harris, New York 12742) to honor Jack’s continuing commitment to his nephew and niece.

WATERBURY & KELLY FUNERAL HOME

1300 Pleasantville Road

Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510

914-941-0838

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