Gerald Edgar Collins

Gerald (Jerry) Edgar Collins, 82, of Fairfield County, Connecticut, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on February 16, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Arthur Reynolds Collins Sr. and Betty Squires Collins. Jerry grew up with a deep curiosity about how things worked, a trait that remained with him throughout his life. He was even known to take household appliances apart so that he could inspect and reassemble them. He attended Purdue University, where he participated in the Army ROTC program and earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Shortly after graduating in 1966, Jerry was commissioned in the Army as a second lieutenant. He proudly served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 501st engineering company, stationed in Cam Ranh Bay and Pleiku.

After his service, Jerry returned to Purdue where he attended the Krannert School of Industrial Administration, graduating in 1969 with an MSIA degree. After graduate school, he moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin to begin his career at Trane Company. In 1975, Jerry moved to New Jersey where he worked for Research Cottrell and later Kavanagh & Associates and his own consulting firm, JerMar Enterprises, in specialized freight logistics. Jerry was very committed to his work; while his family never fully understood what he did, they recall many phone calls at odd hours to discuss the many details of transporting a crane or other large equipment across the country.

Throughout his life, Jerry loved to build, fix, tinker, and create. There was always a renovation, assembly or other DIY project underway in his home. He was the family's go-to handyman and an ever-patient problem-solver. If someone he loved needed help, he showed up with tools in the trunk and a plan in mind. He would do whatever research was needed and take however many trips to the hardware store that were required. No project intimidated him. He even elevated the art of packing a car for a road trip or a move-in to near-professional levels, a skill that was greatly needed for his family of over-packers.

Jerry was known for his patience, his selflessness and his unwavering devotion to the people he loved. He always showed up for his family and friends, no matter the reason or distance. He made a genuine effort to truly know and understand everyone who entered his life. He gave his undivided attention to his loved ones, actively listening, remembering the things that mattered to them, and investing himself fully in their interests and activities.

Jerry's own passions were extensive. He loved baking, reading, biking, hiking, kayaking, and golfing. He was keenly interested in history, politics, and current events, and even endeavored to follow the latest in popular culture trends. He had a daily habit of reading the Wall Street Journal and doing the Wordle. More than anything, Jerry cherished spending time with his family. He loved family vacations, dance performances, sports games, broadway shows, frequent dinners, and everything in between.

To his daughters and granddaughters, Jerry was more than just a father and grandfather—he was a reliable presence, a teacher, a helper, and a constant cheerleader. He was always available to offer advice when asked, and impart wisdom when needed. He would show up to lend a helping hand to them, often before they even requested it. His warmth, gentle humor, unwavering support, and steady unconditional love were the anchors of his family.

One of the greatest joys of Jerry's life was the long-lasting love he found with his second wife Mary Jane Baillie Collins, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage until her passing in 2017. Together they modeled a loving, committed, and respectful partnership. Mary and Jerry's home in Long Valley, New Jersey was the setting for countless holidays, family gatherings and celebrations—always filled with gourmet home-cooked food that was made with love, even if rarely served on time. They spent summers in Brewster, Massachusetts, with Mary's family, where they developed lifelong friendships and helped care for their granddaughters.

In his later years, Jerry found love, companionship and joy with his partner, Eileen DiSavino. They spent the last three years together enjoying and celebrating life—hiking, traveling, enjoying the arts, entertaining, and savoring their time together.

Jerry is survived by Eileen; his daughters, Jeanne Collins (and partner Alex Gadd), and Paula McGlarry (and husband Rob); three cherished granddaughters, Maura and Fiona McGlarry, and Maddie Iulo; his brother, Arthur Collins Jr. (and wife Nancy); his sister-in-law Carol Austin (and husband Joe Korecki); his cousins Edgar Collins Sr., Michael Collins (and wife Ruth Ann), Terry Allen (and wife Suzanne), and Susan Day; and his nieces and nephews Mary Jane Austin (and husband John Airey), Courtney Shapiro (and husband Seth), and Rob Collins (and wife Lorraine); many grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and a wide circle of friends and loved ones who will miss him deeply.

A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held on January 17, 2026 in New York City. Please contact his family for details. A private burial will take place this summer in Brewster, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart-vascular-institute/about-us/charitable-giving.