Richard S. Collins

Richard Samuel Collins, 81, passed away on October 17, in Concord NH, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loved ones when he transitioned peacefully. He was born on May 11, 1942, in Norwood, MA, the son of Austin and Marie (Starr). Richard was raised in different parts of Boston and graduated from Malden High School.

Richard spent 34 years working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, providing direct care for patients at Boston State Hospital and later caring for clients at Paul A. Dever School and Group Homes for adults with severe intellectual disabilities. Richard’s work of more than three decades is an embodiment of his personal motto “be kind to all”, and a testament to his caring compassion as he cared for those who were unable to care for themselves. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew  25:40.

After retiring, Richard moved from Massachusetts to Floral City, Florida where he lived for 15 years. Richard loved the warm climate, his little canal, and the flowers and the Spanish moss in his adopted city. Richard was a kind neighbor who was quick to help a friend with errands and companionship. Richard also enjoyed a special friendship with home health aide and companion Tierra Casey Scott while in Florida, and recovering from surgery and a major illness.

Richard was an aficionado of country music from the 1940s to up to (almost) today. He shared this love with Chrystine and Toni who knew all the songs by heart and would sing along enthusiastically. Richard had a lifelong love of animals, particularly dogs and cats. He adopted many strays over the years and fed dozens of stray cats who wandered into his yards both in Mass and in Florida. He was particularly fond of the family dogs, “Micha” and Isabelle “the gremlin” who loved him to the end. He also enjoyed the six family cats, particularly his favorite Boots, who joined him from Florida. Richard loved reading, playing cards, and puttering in the garden. Shortly after moving to NH,  he began weightlifting and conditioning with his personal trainer and friend, Val Olivera. Richard’s favorite places in New Hampshire were the Concord Dog Park, Beech Hill Farms for ice cream, and Anchor Athletics.

Richard was predeceased by his brothers Paul and Peter, and sister Patricia Blake.

Survived by former wife and friend, Joan, daughter Chrystine, son in law Andy, grandchild Toni and their wife, Willa. Also survived by daughter Johanna, son in law, Cory,  and grandchild Silver and their partner, Tev, and a son, Austin.

A memorial gathering will be held on October 24th from 4:30-6:30pm at Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 243 Hanover Street in Manchester. All are welcome and are invited to join the family for light refreshments afterwards.

Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Pope Memorial SPCA in Concord.