Robert T. Collins

HOLDEN-Robert T. Collins, 91, passed away on Monday, October 7th at home, surrounded by his loving daughters.

Bob was born in Worcester, son of Thomas and Mae (Provost) Collins and joined the US Coast Guard soon after turning the young age 17 during WWII. He attended South High and worked several years for the Boston and Albany Railroad before taking a job as an electrician at Heald Machine Company, where he worked for 32 years. He travelled several times to Russia to work on machinery that was sold to companies there. Bob was a longtime member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Alhambra Council #88 and active in its horseshoe league. He also enjoyed playing in the pitch league at the West Boylston American Legion Post for 11 years, until he was 90 years old. He was a former member of St. George's Church and its choir and he sang with Worcester Men of Song. Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife in Marco Island, Florida and Wells, Maine. Playing golf was also one of his favorite activities, whether it was his yearly trips to Myrtle Beach or during a quick round in Maine, where he proudly scored a hole-in-one at one of his favorite courses.

His beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley M. (Barry) Collins died in 2012. He leaves three daughters, Patricia A. Hammond of Leicester, Susan M. Taylor and her husband, Robert of Worcester and Anne-Marie Neale and her husband, Sam of Worcester; two brothers, Warren and Chester Collins; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, James Hardy of Plymouth and all of his "girlfriends" at the Wong Dynasty. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Hardy and his son, Robert Collins, Jr.
The family would like to thank the Salmon Care Hospice team and especially, Megan and Sam, for all their compassionate care during Robert's illness.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family held on Saturday, October 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p. m., at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Home, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. A Prayer Service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Following the prayers, Bob's Life Celebration will continue with a reception at his favorite restaurant, Wong Dynasty in Holden from 1-4 p.m. His burial will be private in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, 01606. To share a memory or condolence for Bob's family, please sign the guestbook.