MORRISONVILLE — Edward R. Collins, 77, passed away on Friday, Sep. 28, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Ed was born in Burlington, Vt. on May 10, 1935, the son of the late Edward and Charlotte (Tallman) Collins, and grew up in the City of Plattsburgh. Ed attended St. John's Academy and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959, assigned to the 655th AC&W Squadron as a radar/air traffic specialist. Following the USAF, he worked for General Dynamics during the installation of the underground missile complexes. He retired as a corrections officer at Clinton Correctional Facility in 1990 after 27 years.
Ed excelled at baseball and football in high school, but especially loved cheering on his children and grandchildren (with the help of his school bell and air horn) in baseball, softball, hockey and soccer.
He was an avid history buff who was recently acknowledged in the book, "Searching for the Forgotten - 1812", for his invaluable insight into the history of the Battle of Plattsburgh. Ed was a member of the American Legion Post 20, and a longtime member of the Cumberland Head Fire Department.
Edward is survived by his wife of 56 years, Edna M. (Kearney) Collins; three daughters, Colleen Walker of Dannemora, Debra (Mike) Hartman of Albany, Pamela (Mark) Pospischil of Columbus, N.J.; two sons, Edward David (Denise) Collins of Edgewater, Fla. and Wallace Richard (Kari) Collins of Chazy; 11 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
He was predeceased by his parents; and all of his siblings, Otis, Raymond, Robert, Evelyn, Shirley, Doris, Bernice, and Constance.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Hospice of the North Country for all of their kindness and help getting Ed home where he belonged.
Calling hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday October 6, at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh, a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Chazy Youth Hockey Program, 52 Mac Adam Rd, Chazy, NY 12921.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com
