Richard Neil Collins

Richard Neil Collins, age 85 of Plantsville, CT died peacefully on  April 14, 2021 with his children by his side.

He was born on August 17, 1935 in Bridgeport, CT to John and Hazel Collins. Richard attended Fairfield Prep High School where he played varsity Baseball.  He graduated from Bassick High School in Bridgeport, CT in 1954.

Richard married his wife Kathleen (Slater) Collins in 1961, moved his family to Seymour, CT and then to Oxford, CT.  He worked in finance  for over 40 years until his retirement from Stanley Works in Farmington, CT  in 1994.

Richard was a devoted Washington Redskins football fan. He was a season ticket holder for many years.  He made many cherished memories with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends traveling to Redskin (FEDEX) Stadium.

Richard will be remembered by many for his editorials published in  the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. His articles were regularly published for over 10 years and he enjoyed writing and responding to many comments by readers.

Above all Richard loved spending time with his family, whether by the family pool, at Redskin stadium or later in life just visiting.  His family appreciated his perspective and advice and his quick humor always made the people he loved laugh.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 52 years, Kathleen, daughter Patricia Nichols, Infant son Michael Collins and his sister MaryLou Smallwood.

Richard is survived by his daughters Kathleen Katrenya (Andrew) of Naugatuck and Nancy Roach (Thomas) of Southington and son Jeffrey Collins of Seymour.  Richard is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Kelly Behuniak, Dana Booker (Brian), Colleen Behuniak, Andrew Katrenya (Kristen), Adam Katrenya (Pilar), Wesley Katrenya (Kimberly), Dylan Roach, Erin Roach and Sean Roach, 3 great grandchildren, Haley Katrenya, Noah Booker, Elise Katrenya, with two more great grandchildren due in May and October 2021.  Richard is also survived by his brother John W.Collins of Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday April 18, 2021 at Naugatuck Valley Memorial 240 North Main Street Naugatuck Conn. Funeral will be on Monday April 19, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Church  99 Bristol St.  Southington, CT  

Memorial donations may be made to the “Wounded Warriors Project”

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