Thomas Collins Obituary

BEVERLY- Mr. Thomas F. Collins, 93 of Beverly, beloved husband of Frances (Melanson) (Powers) Collins, passed away peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Brookline he was the son of the late Partick V. and Delia T. (Duffy) Collins. He was raised and educated in Dorchester and Mattapan and was a graduate of Boston Technical High School.

An Honorably discharged veteran, Thomas proudly served his country as member of the United States Navy during the Korean and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, United Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal for his brave service. He was an active member of the Milton VFW Post #8699 and D.A.V Post #79 of Quincy.

Following his discharge from the service, Tom embarked on a long and successful career at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Boston as a clerk in their Tool Room, where he was known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail. After the sale of the shipyard Tom transitioned to work with the United States Postal Service for several more years.

A loving husband, brother, grandfather and friend Tom was a kind and generous man who loved being surrounded by his family whether celebrating life's milestones, holiday get togethers or just a casual weekend cookout. He was a calm and supportive influence, who was always there when you needed him and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Devoted to his faith, Tom was a communicant and active member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Beverly, where he was part of the church family and involved in their many activities. A world traveler he and Frances traveled extensively throughout eastern Europe, visiting Poland, Ukraine, and even Russia to name a few. They enjoyed several cruises making lasting memories they could share with family and friends. Tom will be fondly remembered for his love of family, his generosity and kindness and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving Tom in addition to his wife Frances of Beverly are his granddaughters, Rachael O'Donnell of Peabody and Alaina O'Donnell of Beverly, his sisters, Janice Ahearn of Dorchester, and Kathleen Lydon and her husband William of Billerica and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Joseph Collins, stepfather of the late Kathleen Harrison and the late Christine O'Donnell.

ARRANGEMENTGS: Relatives and friends are invited to Tom's funeral Mass which will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Balch St., Beverly on Wednesday, July 23 at 12 (Noon). A visitation will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS prior to Mass from 10:00 to 11:15 AM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Tom's memory to Dana Farber Cancer, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to Boys Town New England, 58 Flanagan Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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