Colonel Rodney Jewitt Collins

Colonel Rodney Jewitt Collins Naples, FL

Colonel Rodney Jewitt Collins, U.S. Army Retired died in Naples, FL on Sep tember 25, 2013. He was born in West Haven, CT on May 2, 1922 and served on active duty in the Army for 28 years, retiring in 1971. He graduated from Yale University in 1943 and received a law degree from Columbia University in 1952. He was a member of the bar of the State of Connecticut.

Colonel Collins was initially commissioned in the Field Artillery and served as an artillery pilot-observer during campaigns in Germany. Following the war he became a helicopter pilot and flight instructor. In 1953 he transferred to The Judge Advocate General's Corps and served in a variety of assignments as a military lawyer in the United States and abroad until his retirement. His last assignment was as an appellate judge on the U.S. Army Court of Military Review in Washington. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal and various campaign and service medals.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, the former Ruth Clifford of New Haven, CT. He also leaves a brother, Randall Collins of Atlantic Beach, FL; and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity by the Cove Episcopal Church, 553 Galleon Drive, Naples, 34102.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal choice.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.fullernaples.com.

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