New York, New York
Organizing the Weekends
It was an obvious joke, but one Thomas Collins could not resist. "Tom Collins, like the drink," he would say, introducing himself to strangers and clients at Sandler O'Neill & Partners, where he was a managing director. And when he wasn't trying to get a laugh out of someone, Mr. Collins, 36, an avid skier and outdoorsman, was busy organizing weekend adventures and outings for his friends and family.
"He was just always on," said Jennifer Hamel, his younger sister. "On Thursdays, he would start calling people, asking about the weekend: 'O.K., what are we doing this weekend, where are we going?' He loved being pulled in a million different directions."
Though Mr. Collins has been identified among the dead, Mrs. Hamel said she and her family continue to imagine him coming home, just as he did after the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, and telling stories about his fight to survive. "Even though I know," Mrs. Hamel said, "I keep thinking he's on a long business trip and he's going to be home soon."
After 9/11 I purchased a bracelet with his name on it, a remembrance of the cost of that terrible day. Every year I remember Mr. Collins and think of his family and what he may have been doing today had he lived. He sounds like he was an amazing person and I wish I could have met him.
Jody
September 11, 2024 | Other
Always in memory.
Frank D
September 11, 2023
As 9-11 approaches 20 years later I will always remember you and keep your family in my prayers
Michael Geml
September 08, 2021 | Work
Remembering Thomas on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 04, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
We will never forget that day, Praying for Tom's family today. Much love from Texas,
Del Newberry
March 01, 2021 | Heartland, TX
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
April & Austen Henry
September 10, 2016 | South Huntington, NY
I never met Tom or even knew him but my sister talked to him daily being in the financial world. My nephews name is Thomas Joseph and he would joke with her daily asking how is namesake was. When I visited the site I took a picture of his name for her engraved in the memorial.
Renee
September 09, 2016 | PA
I was in NYC at the memorial this past week and picked his name out so I could remember one victim of the 9/11 attack. I saw his name and knew I could remember it because of the drink and my old neighbors were Collins and as a child many years ago I lived close to a florist shop owned by Collins. I will remember at Mass tomorrow. God Bless
Susan Rook
July 04, 2015 | Williamsport, PA
I knew Tom and we were friends. He was an outdoorsman and greatly loved his wife and family. Given the worst circumstances possible, he did the most honorable acts of love for his family. He was a New Yorker heart and soul. He was a hero and his type of heroism made it possible for his family to heal from such a tragedy. He taught me how to get into a hammock without falling out of it. He said to me once, Now, that is no way to get in a hammock.
Stephanie Massengale
May 08, 2015 | Chapel Hill, NC
