Terence Collins
April 24, 1946 - January 6, 2023
Terence Marc Collins died on January 6, 2023 at his home in South San Francisco. Beloved son of the late Edmund and Rita Collins, he enjoyed a wonderful childhood in San Francisco's Sunset District, graduating from St. Anne's Grammar School and Abraham Lincoln High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War followed by 27 years with the San Francisco Police Department. Terry was blessed by the devoted attention of his son Brian, daughter in law Diane and loving grandchildren Bailey and Brandon. He is also survived by his sister Christine who along with his best friends Patrick and Nancy Boyle helped him with the challenges brought on by his Parkinson's disease. Private services have been held.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Terence Collins

Sponsored by Chapel of the Highlands.

14 Entries

Bob McIntosh

October 25, 2024

Terry coached our 6 th grade St Annes basketball team in 1963
We were a tough bunch to control but Terry did it with a smile.
Terry rolled with the punches
That life handed and deserved better.
Thank you for your service.

Susan (Kent) Allison

November 22, 2023

Dear Brian,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know my condolences are late and quite random, but just saw that he has passed. I never forgot your father and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all he did for me, so long ago. For some reason he popped into my mind the other day, so I did a quick search on the internet to see if I could learn more about where he was and what he may be up to. Again, I am so sad to learn he has passed. I though you may like to hear my story. I met Terry in the mid 70's. After high school I embarked, alone, on a crazy journey from my home town in Pennsylvania. Somehow I ended up in San Francisco, I didn't know a sole there! I was barely 20 years old at the time and very naive about the world. I was just trying to find my way in life. I was working in a bad section of San Fran (the area called the tenderloin) when your Dad took note of me, it must have been his beat then, and I guess I looked out of place? He had a pair of Frye Boots that a shop owner had given to him after he had responded to a police call that night. The boots were slightly damaged because thieves had broken the window to seal items on display, I suppose. Ironically, they were my size and he offered them to me (wish I still had them). We ended up having coffee and becoming friends. Terry helped me navigate the not so great section of town I found myself working and living. We hung out on occasion; I remember the view from his place in Sausalito and the Barber chair he loved to sit in and watch the mist as it rolled down the mountain and burned away, to reveal views of the Bay in the distance. It was a neat experience. He was incredibly kind and generous, he left a very lasting impression on me, I have nothing but great memories from that time. He also bought me my first pair of hiking boots so he could take me hiking in Yosemite National Park. I had never seen anything like it in my life, the majesty and beauty of the Park impressed me in a deeply profound way and sparked my passion for hiking, that continues to this day. Terry was so, so, kind, I will never forget him. I wish there were more people in the world like him. I am sure he was a great Father to you and will be deeply missed.

Warm regards, Susan Lancaster, Pa.

Rani singh

January 24, 2023

Thank you to one of the best Taraval Cops ever. And to someone who we remember as kids as the one to go to at St. Anne´s ....you will be missed by all those who knew and loved you. I still remember when you came to St. Anne´s to give us a safety talk after Kevin Collins went missing. You were the best Terry. Heaven is veer lucky to have u!!!
Love,
Rani Singh

Rich

January 23, 2023

We took many mountain bike rides together. Utah, Montana, Bay area, etc.. etc.. etc.... I saw a lot of the US with Terry. He had a good heart. I appreciated the time together.

Dudley Conneely

January 23, 2023

Christine, Brian and the Collins Family,

Please be assurred of our prayers for Terry. He was a childhood friend to all the Conneeelys (Barbara Jack Charlie, Dudley and Tommy from 25th Ave. Rita, your mom and grandmom were best of friends with my mom Catherine, especailly in their Golden years when all us kids were gone.

Rest in Peace Terry

Dudley & Mary Conneely and family

Trish

January 22, 2023

Brian, Chris and family, I am very sad and surprised to hear about Terry´s passing. I am sorry for your loss.
Wishing you all the best and hoping that you may find some peace at this difficult time.

Anne Harrington

January 21, 2023

Hi Chris, I'm Anne Harrington from 27th Avenue. Terry was cool, well liked and a really nice guy at St. Anne's. I am thankful he often organized St. Anne's lunches and reunions. Whenever I ran into Terry in the Police Department I knew I would receive his fabulous smile and fun, kind words. I often saw him later at Prime Time Athletic Club and he had not changed. So sorry for your loss and the loss of such a good man and cop.

Diane Farren

January 18, 2023

What a handsome photo of Terry- a wonderful Memorial photo.

Jean Gawley Chapman

January 18, 2023

Dear Brian & family, and Christine,
(TC) Terry and I were friends since we met in homeroom at Lincoln High School. He had a beautiful smile! We remained good friends all through the years. So many great times at his parties, my parties, and events over the years. What a great police officer and special friend. Our deepest condolences to his family, Jean Gawley (Golly) and my husband Jack. TC always said "By Golly it's Jean Gawley"

Don Ross

January 18, 2023

Had the pleasure of working with Terry at Ingleside station and Central station for most of the 70s, He was a great guy and cop, we had many laughs together in those early years as young cops. Worked in radio cars together and enjoyed going out after work. My condolences to his family and friends. He is with God now smiling down at us. RIP my friend, you will be missed

Paul Sheridan

January 18, 2023

Greetings to the Collins family. I want to share sincere condolences on behalf of myself and my family. My name is Paul Sheridan, another Sunset kid. I recall Terry from one of my favorite pastimes as a kid. Terry on a number of occasions used to ride skateboards with all of us Inner Sunset kids. Those were great days and I remember how cool Terry was. Just know we're thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Paul Sheridan

Bob Frey

January 18, 2023

So sorry to hear of Terry´s passing. He was such a good friend. I have so many good memories of our many times playing basketball at Sunset Gym and hanging out. And I´ll never forget that St Patrick´s Day our freshmen year that changed the course of our lives. Terry also was the leader in organizing our luncheons for our grammar school class as well as helping in the class reunions. Terry was the one who introduced me to my wife, Leslee, at a Lincoln Roaring Twenties themed dance our sophomore year. Quite a great guy who will be missed.

Marshall Wong

January 17, 2023

Terry was my partner on the Central mid....in the one car (3A1) (Tenderloin).....I was also a Navy vet...Terry's birthday is one day before mine...same year, 1946! Great guy, miss him to tears!! me, SFPD 30yrs!

Dan Linehan

January 17, 2023

Saddened to hear of the passing of Terry. We served many years on the Board of Directors of the Police Officers Association. He was very dedicated to the cause and a great officer.

When I recall those days, I will remember Terry and his service to the members of the Department and the citizens we served.

Rest In Peace Terry. May perpetual light shine shine on your soul and forever warm your face.

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