James "Craig" Collins' Obituary
James “Craig” Collins, 68, of East Syracuse, passed away unexpectedly at home surrounded by his loving family on December 29, 2021. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late Wilbur and Elizabeth (Halsey) Collins. Craig graduated from FM, class of 1971, and received his Master’s in Criminal Justice from Columbia College. Following a career with the Town of DeWitt Police Dept., he retired into his second career as a school bus driver for the ESM School District, and especially enjoyed dressing up as Santa for the students. Craig served on Toggenburg Ski Patrol for over 40 years. He was an avid SU sports and Buffalo Bills fan, and member of Ancient Order of Hibernians. Craig enjoyed the camaraderie at Scotch and Sirloin on Friday nights with his wife Christine and anyone he could strike up a conversation with. He also enjoyed spending time at their camp in Long Lake and loved to share photos of a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, especially on family cruises and vacations.
Craig is survived by his wife of 33 years, Christine (Albanese) Collins; his daughter, Ashlee Collins Powers; three grandchildren: John, Collin, and Jillian; siblings: Jay (Maureen) Collins, Mary Beth (John) Bantham and Tim (Deborah) Collins; several nieces and nephews, and his beloved companion, his Golden Retriever Ireland.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Craig’s life at 2pm in St. Matthew’s Church, East Syracuse. He will be laid to rest in Long Lake Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, January 3, 2022, at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Donations in his name may be made to ESM Education Foundation, 407 Fremont Rd., E. Syracuse, NY 13057.
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