John J. Collins' Obituary
John J. Collins, 53, passed away in Costa Rica on August 4, 2013. He fell off a ladder on July 29, 2013, hit the back of his head on the floor and never recovered. John grew up in Jamesville, NY and graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School. He moved to California and sailed the Pacific Ocean for many years on The Monatue, a 170 foot sailboat. John married Marianne Breslan, they had one daughter, Margaux and traveled around the world. Always first class: Indonesia, China, India, Galapagos Islands, Australia, Chile, Poland, New Zealand and Easter Island. He attended the University of California, Berkeley College. John was a computer programmer, had a Captain License, bought and sold real estate, he could build a house and custom build a boat. An excellent swimmer, he would dive off a mountain into the ocean, could hold his breath for five minutes and dive for pearls with the natives.
John is survived by his loving wife, Marianne; one daughter, Margaux; father, Thomas J. Collins; mother, Mary Collins-Triggs; mother-in-law, Irene Teterin of Costa Rica; step-father, Marvin Triggs. He was the grandson of James and Mary Kenny, Genevieve and James Kearney Collins, both from Syracuse, both deceased and the nephew of Sister Annemae Kenny C.S.J. of Latham, NY.
He also leaves behind 4 brothers, Thomas J. (Kathy) Collins of San Rafael, CA; Edward (Teddy) Collins and Stephen P. (Jennifer) Collins of Jamesville, NY and Joseph P. (Virginia) Collins of Clay, NY; 4 sisters, Carolyn (John) Hobbs of Lynchburg, VA; Joanne June of Jamesville; Louanne Collins of Forestport and Monica Merola of North Syracuse along with 26 nieces and nephews and 7 great-nieces.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in celebration of John's life on Sunday, September 1, 2013 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
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