David Michael Collins

David Michael Collins 1944 - 2018
HERKIMER - David Michael Collins, age 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 24, 2018, in the comfort of his home. He had the support of his wife at his side.
He was born on July 24, 1944, in Troy, son of the late William and Jessie Start Collins. He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1963. After graduation, he joined the US Navy, serving as an Aviation Machinists Mate during the Vietnam conflict. He was a flight crew member of Patrol Squadron 28. In 1967, he was released from active duty and transferred to the Naval Reserve. On November 16, 1968, he was united in marriage to Kay Mumford in St. Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. They were married for nearly fifty years.
After leaving the service, David went to work for MDS and became the Harter Street plant Manager. He was one of the last employees to leave before they closed the doors. He then went to work for himself as a handyman, refurbishing homes and helped with the renovation of the Mail Pouch Barn on Canadarago Lake. He then went to work for the town of Warren, spending many long hours in the winter keeping the roads open. His last job was working at the post office in Richfield Springs. This was his favorite, as he could spend time talking to the patrons as they came and went. He was known for his sense of humor, always having a funny story to tell.
Surviving besides his wife, Kay, is a daughter, Denise of Whitesboro; three brothers, James (Darlene) and Richard (Carol) of Millers Mills and Charles (Mary Ann) of Herkimer; one sister, Doris Miller of Herkimer; two sisters-in-law, Joanne Collins of Herkimer and Diana Collins of Little Falls; a brother-in-law, Keith Mumford of Oppenheim; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, William (Madelyn), Edward and John; two sisters, Ruth (Alton) Whitaker and Carol Ann Collins; brother-in-law, Richard Miller; and ex-sister-in-law, Joan Cirelli.
Calling hours for David will be on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor of St. Francis deSales RC Church, Herkimer, officiating. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the US Navy, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice & Palliative Care, 2477 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford 13413 or a charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.