John W Collins

Mr. John W. Collins “Papa John”, 89, of Rotterdam, NY passed on into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday April 19, 2020. Born on September 5, 1930, he was the son of the late Willard Collins and Ovretta (Schiller) Collins. A lifelong Schenectady resident, John began his career as a truck driver for Martini Oil. In 1951, John joined the Army and was deployed for two years in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953. John rejoined the workforce as a truck driver for P.I.E. Trucking Co, and later retired from Power Pallet. John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ellen Grigerick; stepson, Edward Baron (wife Janet), and step-grandson Tom Tarka. John leaves behind his beloved wife, Lorraine; his sons, Jack Collins, Sam Collins, and stepson Arnold Briscoe (wife Marie); his brother, Warren Collins (wife Frances); five sisters, Marjory Spencer, Ruth Liscum, Esther Rahimee, Karen Zakowski (husband John), Linda Masotti (husband George); stepdaughter, Brenda Kuzmiak (husband Rich); step-grandchildren, Shauna Baron, Stephanie Siciliano (husband TJ), Josh Baron (wife Vanessa), Rob Baron, Krystle Erikson and Kelsey Garceau; four cherished great-grandchildren, Natalie Siciliano, Abigail Siciliano, Maris Baron and Ira Baron, as well as many other family members and close friends. John led a very active and happy life with his high-school sweetheart Lorraine, who he rediscovered and married at the age of 71. He enjoyed wood working, mechanics, landscaping, and taking his dog Toby on long walks every day. John was also a dedicated member Liberty Church, serving as Head Usher. His greatest joy in life was his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a very kind and generous man. His laughter and smile will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services are private. Burial will take place at Vale Cemetery. Charitable contributions in John’s name can be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, or Liberty Church. Please join us in remembering John W. Collins. A virtual service can be viewed from home on Monday, April 27th at 12:00 pm Eastern Time via Zoom. To access the Zoom Meeting, go to: https://zoom.us/ The Zoom Meeting ID code is 765 6001 7552 A second meeting can be viewed, if by chance the session goes over the 40 minutes long. The Zoom ID for part 2 is: 790 1890 6656.