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D. Michael Collins

1944 - 2015

BORN

1944

DIED

2015

Michael Collins Obituary

(News article) Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins, a former police detective who went into politics in retirement and was elected mayor in 2013, died Friday in University of Toledo Medical Center, five days after suffering cardiac arrest while driving a city-owned vehicle. He was 70.

Mr. Collins, Toledo's fourth mayor under the "strong mayor" form of government that went into effect in 1993, had just entered his second year on the job.

During his first year, he faced an unprecedented snow and cold emergency, the deaths of two firefighters in an arson, and a nearly three-day period in which residents were advised not to drink the city's water because of an algae-related toxin in Lake Erie.

He was the first Toledo mayor to die in office since 1904 when Samuel "Golden Rule" Jones died after a brief illness.

A political independent, Mr. Collins was elected in 2013, defeating incumbent Mayor Mike Bell, also a political independent. He was a come-from-behind candidate in the primary, defeating two Democrats who split the Democratic vote, former city councilman Joe McNamara and Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez. Mr. Collins finished second in the primary with 24.4 percent of the vote, after Mayor Bell, with 26.6 percent, to go to the runoff November general election.

Mr. Collins said the other candidates tried to cast him as not a serious contender, but advancing to the general election did not surprise him.

"I believed in it all along. I honestly did," Mr. Collins said at the time. "I believe I have the skill and the capacity to listen and to write the next chapter, which will be the first chapter of the book called New Toledo."

Former Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner recalled Friday that Mayor Collins worked tirelessly to improve the city and life for Toledoans as mayor, councilman, and police officer.

"We should celebrate Mike's commitment to improving the quality of life for Toledoans and their families and policemen and their families," he said. "He was a true old-fashion Irish leader. He would be urging us to continue on to do those things to make Toledo better."

Mr. Finkbeiner said he had known Mr. Collins since his days as union president for the police union, and he threw his support behind the late mayor in the 2013 election because he believed he wanted to clean up blighted neighborhoods and emphasize law enforcement presence.

"He has always been much like myself. Intense, and at times combative, and a competitor. He had a warm Irish heart beneath the intense, combative exterior," Mr. Finkbeiner said.

During the November general election, Mr. Collins attacked Mr. Bell's claims to have faced a $48 million deficit, made a campaign promise to lower the city's income tax rate - something he still had no specific plans for - and promised to restore police officers to the Northwest District Police Station on West Sylvania Avenue, which had been closed because of budget cuts, a promise he made good on.

The son of an Irish immigrant who had formed close ties to his relatives still living in Ireland, Mr. Collins proposed to adopt Ireland's "Tidy Towns" program to spruce up the city.

Mr. Collins had the support of Democrats and labor unions determined to punish Mr. Bell for his support of a law aimed at weakening public employee unions and because Mr. Bell unilaterally reduced city employee pay and benefits to deal with a fiscal emergency in 2010.

Mr. Collins won the November election with 56.4 percent to Mr. Bell's 43.5 percent.

But after he took office, the challenges of the job seemed to have little to do with what came up in the campaign.

Mayor Collins gained national attention for his handling of the August water crisis that occurred after chemical tests revealed microcystin in the city's drinking water, brought on by an algae bloom in Lake Erie at the city's water intake.

After about half a million city water customers were told to rely on bottled water for drinking and food preparation for three days, Mr. Collins hoisted a glass of clear water for the cameras to show that water quality had been restored.

Mr. Collins was invited by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to speak to other Great Lakes mayors about the threat to public water systems from algae blooms caused by phosphorus pollution in the lakes. Mr. Collins revealed that was his first trip to Chicago.

Recent challenges

Saving the Jeep Wrangler manufacturing line at Chrysler was Mr. Collins' most recent challenge. He said in a conversation with a Blade reporter Sunday morning that he was unable to divulge details of his discussions about that with Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, because they had a confidentiality agreement.

His administration was involved in initiatives to sell the former Southwyck Shopping Center, which the city bought last year under Mayor Collins' initiative. The mayor oversaw the demolitions of two eyesores - the former Clarion Hotel near Southwyck and two smokestacks left over from a power plant at the Marina District in East Toledo.

Mr. Collins also was shepherding the proposal from ProMedica Health Systems Inc. to relocate its headquarters and about 800 employees to a campus to be created out of the former Toledo Edison steam plant on the river, with the addition of a parking garage.

Mr. Collins first was elected to office in 2007 to represent South Toledo District 2 following a 10-way primary.

After taking office, Mr. Collins became one of the most outspoken members, often sparring with then-Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.

His intervention into budget details and other matters, including police labor negotiations, so irritated Mr. Finkbeiner that he said Mr. Collins "considers himself the world's most outstanding expert on any and all subjects."

Mr. Collins blew the whistle on a $150,000 effort by the Finkbeiner administration to make over the Erie Street Market into a concert hall after getting a call from a North Toledo bar owner who complained that lights had been removed from his bar and installed in the city-owned market.

"Out of curiosity, going into work the next morning I stopped at the Erie Street Market," Mr. Collins said. "There had to have been 60 people working there."

He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2009, coming in fourth out of six, against Democrats Ben Konop and Keith Wilkowski, former Fire Chief Bell, Republican Jim Moody, and independent Opal Covey. Mr. Bell won the general election against Mr. Wilkowski.

Mr. Collins was re-elected to his council seat in 2011, and kept up his dogged investigation of city government. He showed that the Bell administration had purchased a GMC Terrain for the mayor to drive under the budget description of "street sweeper."

After he became mayor, Mr. Collins used the compact sport utility vehicle as his official city vehicle, impishly calling it his street sweeper. It was this official city vehicle that crashed into a pole after Mr. Collins suffered cardiac arrest.

Mayor's roots

Collins' family lore had it that he was a distant relative of the legendary Irish revolutionary politician Michael Collins. But after traveling to Ireland to meet his family, and after his wife, Sandra Drabik, tried to research his genealogy among the limited Irish records, he acknowledged it was far from certain. An investigation by The Blade found that it was, at best, a long shot.

He was born June 30, 1944, the son of Michael John Collins, one of four siblings who immigrated to Toledo from Ireland, and the former Gertrude Helmer, of German ancestry, who died in 2006 at the age of 93.

He grew up in the central city on Fernwood Avenue, attending Roosevelt School for kindergarten and St. Teresa's School until he was in fourth grade, and then moved to Orchard Street in the Old South End, where he enrolled in St. James School.

"It was a tough neighborhood," he said of the south-end community. "You had to fight your way. It was a working-class, blue-collar neighborhood."

He said his father made three demands of his children: Be devout Catholics, obtain a college education, "and never disgrace this family."

At the Fernwood address, his mother collected rent from the building's tenants, while his father worked for the S.M. Jones Co. plant on Segur Avenue, established by former Mayor Jones. Mr. Collins recalls the most "horrific experience" from his childhood being a break-in at their apartment when several people stole all the rent his mother had collected for the landlord.

During the 2013 campaign, Mr. Collins faced suspicion of racism from black voters because of his assertion that Toledo Police did not engage in racial profiling.

He defended himself, saying he had opposed racial prejudice even as a child. As evidence he told of the time a black family moved into his white South Toledo neighborhood. While other neighbors screamed epithets and threw things at the black owner's house, the fifth grader Collins made a sign saying "Welcome to the neighborhood" and got beaten up by the white mob.

He said his father later told him, "'Son, right now I'm the proudest father in the world - but don't ever go back to that house without me."

When Mr. Collins was 17 in 1962, his father, who took care of racehorses at the Lucas County Fairgrounds, was kicked by a horse and killed.

Path to service

After finishing high school, he enlisted in the Marines for two years of active duty and six years in the reserves.

He joined the Toledo Police Department in 1973 in the uniformed division, and went on to work in the vice squad, metro drug unit, and crimes against persons. He graduated from the University of Toledo, and in 1999 obtained a master's in business administration degree from UT.

In 1988, he was elected president of the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association and continued until he retired in 1999. Mr. Collins said he negotiated the best police salary and benefit package in the state.

Ron Scanlon, a fellow retired Toledo police officer, worked with Mr. Collins in the drug and detective units in the 1970s and early 1980s.

"He was one of the best investigators we had," he said.

Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp, a retired police officer who also worked with the late mayor in the detective unit, said he had an impeccable reputation with informants and witnesses, and that relationship helped him cultivate information.

"He was a man of his word. If he said he would do something he would do it. You could take it to the bank," Sheriff Tharp said.

Diocese of Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas mourned the loss of the mayor, whose faith was a prominent part of his life.

"Mayor Collins often spoke of the importance of his Catholic faith and the many ways the Lord had blessed his life. I will count among my blessings the opportunity to have come to know him, to have met his family, and to have prayed with his wife at his hospital bedside," Bishop Thomas said in a written statement released Friday. "I invite Catholics and all people of goodwill to pray for the happy repose of his soul, and to pray for and with his wife and family as they mourn his loss."

Mayor Collins' sister, Mary Pat Hobbs, said she, his wife, and his daughters on Friday were sharing memories of the late mayor.

In 2005, Mr. Collins married Ms. Drabik, former vice president and general counsel for the University of Toledo. The couple lived on Island Avenue in South Toledo.

"Sandy is a solid woman. It is not easy no matter how strong you are. But she is doing the best," Ms. Hobbs said. "He is a wonderful man. He is going to be very missed."

From his first marriage, which ended in divorce, he is survived by three daughters, Tammy Dickey, Laurie Mulligan, and Kelly Sheridan. A son, Michael, preceded him in death.

Funeral arrangements are pending through Coyle Funeral Home.

Staff writer Mark Reiter contributed to this report.

Contact Blade politics writer Tom Troy: [email protected] or 419-724-6058.
Published by The Blade on Feb. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Collins

Not sure what to say?





116 Entries

Clark Felgner

May 13, 2019

Even with your passing, I still can feel advice from beyond as you did for me so many times throughout my life. To be recognized as someone's adopted father is the ultimate in tribute and respect! Peace to you Your Honor!

Susan Bannister

February 20, 2015

To the family of D. Michael Collins...you have been in my prayers since the accident and will remain so...he was a wonderful Mayor and councilman! He will be missed by me!

Judy Mccloskey-Reynolds

February 15, 2015

To Tammy, Laurie and Kelly I know your Mom and Uncle Bob growing up across the street on Pageland. And all of you as babies and young children growing up. My heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you and God bless. I will keep you in my prayers.

February 14, 2015

Thank you collins family for sharing your loving husband, father, and grandfather with the people of Toledo.

Jan Hicks

February 13, 2015

Sending my condolences to the Mayor's Family. We have lost not just one of the most loved but one of the best Mayors in Toledo. It still seems so unreal. Mayor may you RIH and you are/will be missed forever. Gone but never forgotten :( :(

pam blythe

February 12, 2015

sorry for your loss. he was a wonderful mayor,God bless you

Dar Childs

February 12, 2015

Semper FI. Mayor I know you had Toledo in your heart and I know you'd of went down in history as one if not the best Mayor the City ever had. You were a compassionate yet caring person who served our country, community and city with the upmost of dignity and honor. You will be missed by many. Thank you Marine, Mayor and dedicated servant.

simone

February 12, 2015

D michael collins family so sorry for your loss you may have lost a dear love one but just know he will be with our heaven ly farther resting in his care, he was a great leader he will be missed you will be in my prayers .

Lucien Harris

February 12, 2015

God Bless Mayor Collins. Sincerest condolences to the family. Rest in peace.

Lucien Harris

Therese Lynn

February 12, 2015

My name is Therese Lynn, I'm a member of Western Avenue Ministries/Mosaic Ministries in the Old South End, and I remember when Mayor Collins came to our church for a community meeting n November of 2014. He may not have been able to solve all of the problems of everyone at the meeting, but he did stay as long as it took to talk to each and every individual that had a question, and took their name and promised to look into what could be done. My condolences and prayers go out to the family at this time of sorrow on my and our churches behalf.

Suzanne McLaughlin

February 12, 2015

Thank you for being such a great guidance for the city of Toledo Ohio. My prayers out to his family. Time will heal but remember he is always with you. Look at the stars the twinkle of the star and moon is him letting you know he is watching over you. He is at peace now a long deserve rest

bonnie jividen

February 12, 2015

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Helen Lohmeyer

February 12, 2015

Thank u mayor Collins for everything that you've done for our city and we will truly miss you and u will always be in our hearts and in our prayers ,and for your family as well ,god bless u all .

Patricia Beaty

February 12, 2015

Thank Mayor for all you do.You will deeply missed.R.I.P. You will be always in our hearts and thoughts

Helen Montalto

February 12, 2015

Deepest condolences to the family of Mike Collins, thoughts and prayers are with the family... The Montalto Family..

Susan Bannister

February 11, 2015

I will never forget your kindness to our senior building, when it was needed! You were a very kind, honest, outstanding Mayor....will miss you! Prayers for your family.

debra josephson

February 11, 2015

Thank you for your service to our city our prayers are with your family

Carmela Roth

February 11, 2015

Thank Mayor for all your been to the City of Toledo. R.I.P.

Cheryl Zolciak

February 11, 2015

So sorry for your loss !! My prayers are with all of you !!! God Bless & R.I.P. Mayor Michael Collins

Iman Clay

February 11, 2015

I am very sorry for your lost Mayor Collins was such a good person.

James Van Buren

February 11, 2015

Thank you Sir, for everything you did as our mayor.

Tom and Judy Carr

February 11, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers to the family, and all of Toledo for your great loss.

Patrick Ryan

February 11, 2015

To the family of Mayor D. Michael Collins:

We were all startled and sadden by Mayor Collins untimely passing. On behalf of the George J. Ryan Sr. family, please accept our family's deepest condolences. Mayor Collins and George both served on the Toledo Police Department.

I know Mayor Collins will be missed by all who knew and worked with him.
With deepest sympathy for your loss--
Patrick J. Ryan

brenda jackson

February 11, 2015

may god keep you safe block watch leader Brenda jean Jackson you will never be forgotten

Jan Hicks

February 10, 2015

I would like to send prayer and my condolences to the family. Mayor Michael Collins will truly be missed. May he RIH.

S.J. Schneider

February 10, 2015

Although I didn't personally know Mayor Collins, I respected him as a good man and a good mayor. He will be greatly missed. My condolences and promise of continued prayers for him and for his family.

Roger Volk

February 10, 2015

It is with sadness and regret that I learn of Michael Collins' passing; I'm sorry to say too that we never met; Semper Fi Michael Collins ! May Gods grace and compassion be with the family in this time of sorrow.

Connie Durand

February 10, 2015

I SURE WILL MISS YOU AN OUR TALKS when you got your hair cut . I will pray for you family know they lost a great. Husband an father prays with them Connie Durand

Roman Wysowaty

February 10, 2015

May he find comfort in the arms of Angels...

February 10, 2015

to the collinns family; SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR LOVED ONE.he will be greatly missed. all his valuable services will not be forgotten, may you find comfort and strength at this time and in the days to come.

Walker

February 10, 2015

God Bless the Collins family! May you allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you at this time.

kellie barrell

February 10, 2015

R.I.H MAYOR COLLINS??

Dianne Koop

February 10, 2015

When my husband and I decided to relocate from Toledo to Cincinnati, we left with good feelings knowing Toledo was in the capable, caring hands of Mayor Collins. We believe he will continue to look upon your precious city and family. You have our prayers. . .

Lee Fisher

February 10, 2015

My deepest condolences to the family of Mayor Collins and the citizens of Toledo. Mayor Collins was not only an excellent mayor; he was a great man. Humble, authentic, and dedicated to public service, he devoted his life to the people of the great city of Toledo. He will be missed by all of us who had the privilege to know and work with him.
Lee Fisher
President/CEO,CEOs for Cities
Former Lt. Governor of Ohio

February 10, 2015

We are sorry for your loss may Gods peace be with your family. Terry Brown family Toledo

jodie Saltzman

February 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time .

Bob Morrissey

February 9, 2015

Michael Collins - Good Man, Good Policeman. Good Leader and Good Friend.
Bob Morrissey

February 9, 2015

I will miss all your visits to Kroger and all the times we talked. My sympathy to your family. Such a great man. God bless your family. Life is so precious. He will never be forgetten.My prayers are with you Sandy.
DOROTHY S.

February 9, 2015

Mike was a fellow officer,fellow very good friend, He will be sadly missed by the Toledo residents. Rest in peace Mike. Roger & Charlene Reese

Wendy Ludwick

February 9, 2015

To Tammy, Laurie, and Kelly. I remember all the fun times we had as kids, playing at your grandmas house on Pageland. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

February 9, 2015

Grace and peace to the family of Mr. Collins.

Amy Wexler

February 9, 2015

RIP, Mr. Mayor. You were a very good man. I hope we are ALL inspired by you to always do our best for our city. You will be terribly missed. Say hi to my dad for me!

February 9, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family at this most difficult time.

James & Michelle Hunsinger

February 9, 2015

May God hold you close in the palm of his hand. Our Deepest Sympathy. Prayers for the whole Family.
Love The Hunsinger Family

The Roebke Family

February 9, 2015

May his memory be eternal...

Allison Roebke

February 9, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mike's family during this difficult time. Please know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike was a fine man with a great sense of humor who always made me smile. I had the pleasure to work with him at the University of Toledo, and his door was always open to me. We had many great conversations about law, social justice, military, heritage, family, travel, etc. I looked up to Mike's life experience, as he was very knowledgeable with regards to many diverse topics.

I will always remember Mike as "a man on a mission," as I knew him before he was elected to City Counsel. Retirement was only the beginning for him, and he accomplished more during this phase of his life than most will ever accomplish in an entire lifetime. He was not content unless he was orchestrating change and engaging in constructive opportunities to further his passions.

This is why I respected Mike, and his legacy is one to look up to as it proves that one should never give up on his or her dreams, even in the wake of adversity and defeat. His perseverance and affinity for public service is an example for us all, regardless of age.

Mike passed on doing what he loved best...serving the community and the city of Toledo. His legacy is one of true civil servitude and integrity, as Mike always defended the things that were most dear to him. Even as mayor, he always responded to his emails personally, and that proves dedication and empathy for the people that he was elected to serve.

Mike, you will be missed; however, your memory is eternal. God bless you.

"Courage consists not in hazarding without fear; but being resolutely minded in a just cause." Plutarch

Angie Yane

February 8, 2015

To the family of Mr. Collins, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that Mike was standing with open arms & greated your dad as he arrived in Heaven. My brother(Brandon Yanez) was Mike's Best Friend & we lost him last year. It not easy, but knowing he had his Best friends & family with him helped me. I know my brother was standing next to Mike & also greated your, husband, dad & Grandpa. Mr. Collins was an AMAZING MAN & had WONDERFUL MORALS. I was PROUD to say I knew him. He made a HUGE impact on our city in such a short time & he will be remembered for that. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this time, Saul Yanez, Carolyn Yanez, Angie Yanez & Marcos Saul Dominguez III (St. Francis class of '16.).

Kitty Austin

February 8, 2015

I am saddened by the loss of mayor Collins-he had so many plans to do great things for Toledo. My prayers go out to his wife and family

The Worman Family

February 8, 2015

Hugs and peace to the Collins
Family.

Wanda Jones

February 8, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Collins family. He was strong in his faith and we will join him one day. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers

Janice Dombrowski

February 8, 2015

My sincere sympathy to the Collins family. Mayor Collins was one of the best mayors Toledo ever had. He was a great leader and will be truly missed.

Judy Gable

February 8, 2015

Mike was one of the great guys.....not often you could reach a Toledo Mayor at his home..he was there for everyone.....my husbasnd David Gable spoke highly of him always

richard jamra

February 8, 2015

Rest in peace and thank you for your service. And prayers out to the family

Elaine Brown

February 8, 2015

This city is going to be lost without you You were a friend to all you met and such a special soul . My deepest sympathies to Sandy and your daughters and Chloe who must be lost and waiting by the door. We all know that pain of your loss Mike, we just can't believe you're really gone. This is going to take some time, you are unforgettable. Please God bring comfort to the family and to a city without it's leader. We loved this great man.

Jeri Barker

February 8, 2015

To the family I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray God will give you comfort and peace in this time of sadness.

Cynthia Pohorecki

February 8, 2015

To the family of Mayor Collins I express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I voted for Mayor Collins because I believed him to be a man who truly loved the city he grew up in. With Mayor Collins it was about the people of this great city-not to further his political career. I live in the west end of Toledo and was excited to have our police station reopened. Just the presence of the TPD does a lot for all the neighborhoods. He truly fought for the citizens of Toledo. He will be missed by the community.

Mike Childers

February 8, 2015

Mike was tough without being abrasive, smart w/o condescension, when we were in a room together whenever he spoke, I listened. He always knew what he was talking about. During our "job action " in 1979, Mike gave us all a lot of confidence and I was always glad we " struck " up a friendship during this period. I just know he and John Brancheau are watching over the TPD & TFD . They were two of our best.

crystal kruzel

February 8, 2015

Prayers to the family. So sad for your loss as Well as Toledo's.

Mary M. Wagner-Robinson

February 8, 2015

Condolences from neighbors and friends in the W. Toledo community of Blessed Sacrament Church. It was an honor and priviledge to drive him in the Harvest/halloween parade Oct.2013. A lot of fun, fond memories!

Barb Rardin

February 8, 2015

Our Condolences go out the Sandy and the rest of the family at the loss of a wonderful man. I grew up in Toledo but moved out of the city and even though we are not far from the city he truly was a well respected man. May God provide comfort at this time knowing he is a better place.

Roxy Murray

February 8, 2015

May Mike rest with God he was the first Mayor I liked he will always be remembered Mrs Murray

Ray & Debi Sifuentes

February 8, 2015

Sandy & Family,
Mike was one of the Best and one of the Smartest Police Officers I ever worked with. Truly a Family Man and Friend, and dedicated to The City of Toledo. It was and Honor to call him my Friend.

February 8, 2015

Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends. We will miss him so very much... May God hold him in His hands. Pray for the city of Toledo since it doesn't have him to lead and guide us in the right direction.. Barbara

PK

February 8, 2015

my thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family he was the best mayor Toledo ever had and will be truly missed RIH D Michael Collins

Adrienne Holben

February 8, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Collins family. I respect Mayor Collins, as when he was our Councilman, I had an issue to address. Mr. Collins returned my call immediately and resolved my complaint. Thank you so much for your work for our city. You will be missed and will be remembered as one of the greats in Toledo.

Most Reverend John Lula, OSB

February 8, 2015

My Condolences go out to Sandy and the Collins Family.. We will miss the Mayor not only for his position in the city but as a Friend and a Person who cared about others. He will be missed...My Prayers and Our Masses are being offered for the Repose of the Mayor's (D. Michael Collins)Soul.

Beth Hoye

February 8, 2015

Mike was so good to our family over the last 13 months. From the very first night at the hospital on January 26, 2014 thru the anniversary memorial this past January 26th, he was there to offer support to us in any way he could. He was the best mayor Toledo has had in a long, long time. Our family will miss seeing him and talking with him. We pray that his family will seek comfort from Our Heavenly Father as they embark on this painful season of mourning.
Chris and Beth Hoye
(Sister of fallen fighter, Stephen Machcinski LODD 1/26/14)

Pat Quigley-Luby

February 8, 2015

So sorry Sandy, for the loss of your husband and best friend, my prayers go out to you and all family members in this difficult time, may God be with you, and may he RIP

Linda Ditch

February 8, 2015

To the family of D.Michael Collins,"May God hold you in the palm of his hand." Thank you for your dedication to our community. May the Collins family be comforted by our Lords love.

Peggy & Ron Tyra

February 8, 2015

Our Sympathy goes out to Mayor D. Michael Collins family he is going to be greatly missed and loved he will always be remembered by his family , friends and everyone in Toledo he was a wonderful man couldn't of asked for a better Mayor..

Fred and Natalie Johnson

February 8, 2015

Sandy and family,
Mike was blessed with great compassion, a love of his heritage, and a openly strong love for his family as well as the genuine Pride of Toledo as the Mayor. We will always cherish our lengthy
friendship. Sandy and your family, we care and ask that peace and comfort be with you.

Kelly Duby

February 8, 2015

My condolences go out to the Collins Family...Mayor Mike Collins will truely be missed by many..."May God Hold You In The Palm Of His Hand"...R.I.P. Kelly Ryan Duby

February 8, 2015

R I H Mayor Collins.

DAWN

February 8, 2015

R.I.P.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH HIS FAMILY....REST NOW...JOB WELL DONE

Liz & Mike

February 8, 2015

Sandy, we share in your loss of Mike.
We have lost a great man and very good friend.

February 7, 2015

May you rest in peace mayor mike collins !

February 7, 2015

Rih mayor collins

Kenneth Smith

February 7, 2015

So sad so sorry to hear the loss of our beloved mayor he was truly a man of faith in God and all man kind

Deloise President

February 7, 2015

Gone but never forgotten

Elizabeth

February 7, 2015

Our condolences go out to the Collins family. Mayor Collins was one of the best Mayors Toledo has ever seen. It was obvious how much he truly cared about Toledo. If every citizen in this city cared the way he did, we might just be able to fill his shoes.
HHS

February 7, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

reginald gary

February 7, 2015

To the collins family you have our deepest sympathy may god be with you during this difficult time toledo will miss him and you will be in our thoughts and prayers

Marie Collins Melancon

February 7, 2015

R.I.P. Mayor, cousin, husband, dad, grandfather, friend you will be missed. Love and prayers to your family! Marie and Melanie Collins Melancon

ceofia mack

February 7, 2015

God bless the family thu your loss . Mayor Collin was a good Mayor

February 7, 2015

So sorry He pass. I met Mayor Collin one time when i was down town he was walking and i said sir i no you from some where you are a laywer .He said no i am your Mayor and shook my hand what a man he was God bless the family thu your loss . ceofia mack

Barb

February 7, 2015

Mr. Mayor, thank you for showing us how to be a compassionate people.

February 7, 2015

Thank you for your devotion to the city of Toledo. Thank you to the Collins family for sharing him with the community.

ronald williams

February 7, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

carol a. Love

February 7, 2015

Sandy, the "Love family" sends their deepest sympathy to you and your family.Our prayers and thoughts are with you.Ernie,Barbara,Carol,Pat and Mary.

dawn green

February 7, 2015

Mayor Mike Collins is an amazing man he loved Toledo more then anybody I know.. RIP

Linda Reese

February 7, 2015

Dear Families,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear love one and one that meant so much to our community called
Toledo, OH. I am proud that people were able to come to his rescue as citizens and trying to do the right thing for another human being needing help. You have many good memories to cherish now and later as time go by. The last time that I saw him up close was his attendance at Senior Day at the Toledo Zoo in September, 2014 and I pointed him out to some that didn't know him.

steve perry

February 7, 2015

I'm a from toledo so i keep on the news downthere. Mayor Collins went through and how he handled with grace and class. R.I.P. mr. mayor.Toledo will miss your leadership very much.

Mike & Sue Keefe & Dennis

February 7, 2015

God be with you at this most difficult time. Memories are a true blessing and I'm sure you have many. He will always be with you--in thoughts and in your hearts. Our most sincere condolences to the family.

February 7, 2015

You will be missed dearly

February 7, 2015

We share the sadness of the city of Toledo and the Collins family. Joy and Jamie Farr

Lyla Gibbons

February 7, 2015

Mary, its been many years since we worked together at DiSalle, but I just wanted to send you my sympathy on the tragic loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lyla Gibbons

February 7, 2015

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family of D. Michael Collins. Toledo has lost one of the best leaders it has ever had. He was a kind man, a gentleman, one who loved the people of Toledo. He was kind, compassionate and caring, and he will be severely missed by all. Sandy & Dave Flick, Toledo.

Lawrence Biegala

February 7, 2015

He will be missed.

February 7, 2015

TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MAYOR COLLINS. WE ARE SO SADDENED BY HIS PASSING. WHAT A GREAT MAN WE HAVE ALL LOST. REST IN PEACE. BARB AND JOEL WEBER SYLVANIA, OH

Fred McSurley

February 7, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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