John Joseph Collins

Collins, John Joseph. Beloved One and Only of Alice Halpin Collins. Married 54 Wonderful Years. Youngest son of Mae and Sidney Collins. John's older brothers were Charlie (Mary) deceased and Joe (Erica). John was a loving, devoted Father to Jack (Angel), Mike (Chris), Bill (Joanne), Dan (Nancy), and his princess, Amy Collins Suessen (Terry). As each of them left home to marry and build their own homes, the family motto became 1-800-Call-Dad. Whether they called him Papa or Grandpa his grandchildren thrilled his heart. Brandon O.L.P.D. (Catherine), Lcpl Jonathan Collins USMC (KIA Iraq, 8-8-04), Lauren, Devon, Mikey, Courtney, Kayla, Moira, Maeve, Cian, Danny, Aidan, Claire, Katie, Liam, Finnegan and Keegan. Equally treasured were his great-grandchildren, Bryden, London and Remi. Camp Collins came to life every summer in John's backyard with a swimming pool, a tree house that he and Mikey built, and of course, ice cream. John was a proud, loyal member of Pipefitters Local 597 for 43 hard-working years. At St. Gerald Parish he was a devoted Eucharistic Minister and visited the homebound, as well as serving as the Boy Scout Leader from 1972 until 1978. John also served on the Oak Lawn Planning and Development Commission. In 2004 he and Alice established GIFTS FROM HOME. Through the generosity and concern of hundreds of people, thousands of Christmas gifts were sorted and packed by many friends and mailed to our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The standard line at the Oak Lawn Post Office was, “O! Here Comes John and His Boxes. I'm taking my lunch break.” John was noted for his hospitality. No one had more fun than he did at his home with friends close at hand. In times of need he was a true source of comfort to his nieces and nephews. Funeral Saturday 10:15 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home 5570 W 95th St., Oak Lawn to St. Gerald Church for Mass at 11:00 am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Friday, August 22 from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm. A special heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Jorge Balandrin, Dr. Amar Hamad and the many compassionate oncology nurses at Christ Medical Center. Pat, Lena and Judy were his angels who wrapped their wings around him. In lieu of flowers donations to the Jonathan Collins Activity Center at St. Gerald's Parish, 9349 S. Central Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 would be deeply appreciated. 708-425-0500