John Joseph Collins

Of Marlborough, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Friday, August 17, 2018, in his home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He was 72.

Born and raised in Waltham to the late John J. Collins and Rita (Forget), he was a 1964 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Waltham. After graduating from high school, Mr. Collins attended Clarkson University, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Industrial Management. John moved to Marlborough 46 years ago and has been a resident ever since.

After college John began his 36 year career as a Math Teacher for the Waltham Public School System, first at Central Middle School and then at Waltham High School. It was at Central Middle School where John met the love of his life and fellow teacher, Kathy (Kennedy). They were married a year later on October 10, 1970. John and Kathy would travel to work every day together from Marlborough until their retirement in 2005.

An avid sports fan, John loved to follow all of the New England teams. He also loved to play golf, softball on the Waltham Knights of Columbus team along with his father and brothers, and basketball, which he played up until he was 60. He also loved to travel, especially going on cruises or to his house on Cape Cod or in Florida. Most of all John loved being with his family.

Besides his Beloved wife of 48 years, Kathy (Kennedy) Collins, he is survived by his loving children Beth Ann Oram and her husband Michael of Marlborough, Carolin Collins and her husband Alexander Alexeyev of Beverly, John J. Collins, V and his fiance Monica Pasteur of Apopka, FL, his devoted sisters Marcia Goodwin of Raynham, Linda Furbush of Marlborough, Alice McNamara and her husband Brian of North Hampton, NH, Rita K. Collins of Waltham, and Maryanne McLaughlin and her husband Michael of Wakefield, his sister-in-law Cathy Collins of Waltham, and his cherished grandchildren Xander, Niko, JJ, and Alexandria. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Richard and Daniel Collins and brother-in-law of the late Joseph Furbush and Edward Goodwin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for John is being held at Immaculate Conception Parish, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough on Friday, August 24 th at 11AM. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 23 rd from 4-8 PM in the John P. Rowe Funeral Home Inc., 57 Main Street, Marlboro, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Cancer Center at Marlboro Hospital, https://www.umassmemorialhealthcare.org/marlborough-hospital/cancer-care