There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.George SantayanaThis memorial website was created to remember
Tom Collins who was born in Cook County near the City of
Chicago on 7th day of the 11th month of
1923 and passed away peacefully in Burlingame on the 9th day of the 6th month of
2008 at age 84. You will live forever in our memories and hearts.
The oldest of five children raised by his beloved mother Ann Collins, Tom relocated his family including sisters, Patricia, Micky and Denise and brother John to California where they all thrived in the sunshine and freedom.
Tom was the devoted husband of
Sophie Collins.They had laid eyes on each other for the first time at a U.S.O. tea dance, during WWII. Their friendship flourished for ten years finally culminating in marriage on October 14, 1953. Their first born, Denise followed nine months and nine days later.
Sophie Annecchiarico from College Point, in Queens, New York City whose parents were immigrants from the Bay of Naples in Italy found Burlingame with many couples of similar Irish-Italian descent from San Francisco to her liking. They were Burlingame residents and members of the Our Lady of Angels Parish since 1957.
Tom died surrounded by immediate family in the family home sharing stories of their wonderful adventures with Tom. Husband of Sophie, father of Denise, Christopher, Thomas R., Mark, John & Suzanne: grandfather of Thomas & Carson, Nico & Chelsea; Brandi, Jeremy, Sophia & Jessica; Ben; and Daniel & Natalie Collins. Tom is survived by two sisters; Patrica Murphy and Sr. Denise Collins, S.J.O.
He and his wife Sophia raised their family of six children in Burlingame where he took an active part in their schooling. Family dinners with turns saying grace, assigned Saturday chores, church on Sunday followed by a family trip helped make a close-knit family where all siblings have manage after attending college to live within an hour's drive from one another.
Tom's life consisted of many eventful trip to exotic places beginning with the Merchants Marines. Retired as Chief Appraiser in the San Mateo county Assessors Office in 1980, then rode his bicycle from Alaska to Mexico & San Francisco to Boston. Tom rode his "recumbent bike" in Europe from Frankfurt to Prague & Copenhagen to Cologne, as well as around Burlingame for the past 30 years.
We will all remember him for his generosity, his sense of humor, his love for a good story, particularly if he was telling it, and his undying love for his family and friends.
Vigil Service June 24th, 2008 7:30pm Crosby-N. Gray & Co.
2 Park Rd. Burlingame, CA 94010
@ Peninsula Ave (650)342-6617 [ google map] Following the service, many will toast the memory of Tom Collins at
Moon's Pub 215 S B St. San Mateo [
google page]
Join our family in a Celebratory Mass honoring the extraordinary life of Tom Collins June 25th 11am Our Lady of Angels Parish
1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame CA 94010
@ Cortez & Cabrillo Ave.
| Kentara Padron |
Condolences CAC Co-Member Associate |
June 24, 2008 |
Chris, I extend my condolences to you and your loved ones. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of your father. I know losses are sad, however, yet comes with wonderful memories that you've experienced with your father and life with him.
It brings to light memories of my own father, as I read some of the sharings of others and viewing the pictures of some of the happiness you shared.
The song being played on this, is befitting I'm sure. My sister would sing this song when she was young.
I've enjoyed hearing of some of your adventures in travels and can most likely see how or where you were influenced to do so. May your Dad's foot prints continue to lead you to many other wonderful things.
Sincerely, y que Dios te bendiga,
God Bless,
your Carnaval Advisory Committee member and friend,
Kentara
| Jim Hillyer |
To Denise and family |
June 23, 2008 |
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I remember seeing him during the evenings in his den, reading books in preparation for his next big adventure. Always so prepared so that his trip would be a success. The other thing I remember was his always wanting a picture of his children and Mrs. Collins opening their Christmas presents.
As we get older, we become more enlightened of the importance of spending as much time as we can with our family. Nothing else really matters. I know your family was always so well connected. Mr. Collins will always be in your lives; he will always be there to listen.
| David Bertnick |
Sympathy |
June 20, 2008 |
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this diffult time.
Sincerely yours,
David Bertnick
| Jake Pavlovsky-Zuniga |
To Chris Collins & Family |
June 20, 2008 |
Dear Chris,
I’m sad to hear the news of the loss of your father. By all accounts, it appears that he had a wonderful life. A loving family, an adventurous spirit, and a kind heart, what more can anyone ask for? Even though I never met him, I have no doubt, that the kindness you have shown my mother and me was nurtured by your father and family. For this we thank you and send you our prayers.
May his loving memory console you and yours.
Yours truly,
Jake and Noemi Pavlovsky-Zuniga
| Leslie Tietz |
friend |
June 18, 2008 |
I know it is such a difficult time for all of you right now, try to focus on remembering the wonderful, full and exciting life that he lived and keep those memories close to your heart forever. I'm thinking about you guys and wish you the strength you need to realize your loss. Take care of each other.
