Obituary of Joseph M. Collins

Joseph Michael Collins, 75, of Pembroke, died peacefully in the early morning of January 31, 2010 while surrounded by his loving family. Joe was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Buckley) Collins, cherished father to Christopher Collins and his wife Susan of Hanson, Mary Collins and her husband Richard Horgan of Pembroke, Kathleen Herrmann and her husband James of Nantucket, and Anne Callanan and her husband Timothy of Bridgewater. Devoted Grandpa to Christine Herrmann of Norton, Briana and Stephen Collins of Hanson, Brendan and Paul Callanan of Bridgewater and beloved “Papa” to Emily Anne Collins of Pembroke. He also leaves many friends and co-workers at the Pembroke Council on aging and treasured fellow members of the Dull Men’s Club. Joe worked for Harvard University’s Huntington laboratories for over twenty years and retired in 1994 from the George Troupe Co. in Abingston. Since his retirement, he has been working as a Senior Aide and volunteering at the Pembroke Council on Aging. As a Shine Counselor, he helped seniors answer often complex insurance coverage questions and also assisted residents of Pembroke in applying for the low income heating program. Along with his dear friend Connie Church, he co-founded the Pembroke Chapter of the Dull Men’s Club. Last year he was recognized for his many years of volunteering by being awarded The President’s Call to Service Award. Prior to his death, in a moment of reflection about his life, he shared with his family that his years working and volunteering at the Council on Aging were among the best years of his life. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd from 2-4 and 7-9:00PM at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 7 Mattakeesett St (Rt. 14) Pembroke. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 4th at 10:00AM at St. Thecla’s Church, 145 Washington St. Pembroke. Internment will be at the Center cemetery in Pembroke. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joe’s memory to: Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360.