Rev. Joseph I. Collins

Father Joe was such a splendid chaplain at H & R. He was beloved by everyone. Not in the tributes here: Father Joe was a 'New Deal' Democrat. He was at the front lines of the Battle of the Bulge during WWII.

Dear Fr. Joe, I remember you from St Pius V Parish in Lynn, MA. You were very kind during my pre Cana meetings years ago. My condolences to your family and friends.

Fr. Collins was a true Christian. He touched many lives, young and old. He cared and we knew it; that is what made him so special to us all.

I, too, was a recipient of his blessings from baptism to marriage, at dear St. Paul Church. Lucky me!

Next week will be 46 years since Father Joe united Carol Forsythe and Bill Scott. With his C.Y.O. baseball and basketball programs, I'm sure he kept all of us boys on the right track. He played the role of mediator for many families in their time of need. Even in his retirement, he was spiritual advisor to our "Kerry Corner". Second World war heroes-attending their meetings of the "ROMEO' club in Harvard Square. John Caulfield, the "ROMEO CLUB" (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and Father Collins...

I am grateful that we talked by phone on September 27th. Since 1949 your ministry and friendship have been greatly appreciated. In paradisum te ducant angeli.

Father Joe, you will always be remembered with great warmth and affection by the entire Sheehan clan of Hartford, Ct. We all enjoyed your visits to Beacon Street---You and Uncle Jim always exuded such warmth and joy! Your are in the arms of the angels now---rest in peace.

With great affection--
Peg Sheehan

Father Joe was part of a magical time at St. Paul's. He was part of that great "trinity," Msgr. Hickey, Father Joe and Ted Marier who worked together to create a wonderful way of celebrating the Eucharist. My brothers and I remember him always with a laugh and a joke for everyone. He was a wonderful priest who loved doing the Lord's work. Thank you, Fatehr Joe for helping make my grandfather's vision a reality.
On behalf of the Marier family, my thoughts prayers to the Collins family.

Fr. Collins, You have been so good to our family, thank you for over 30 years of friendship. You were very much a part of our family. You always took care of my mother. Thank you! You will be surely missed. Love Rick, Leslie and Meredith Chasse

Father Collins truly understood his ministry and my family and I are grateful that he shared it with us.

He baptised, confirmed and married us. And for those who passed away he helped us celebrate their lives.

We take the time to celebrate his.