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George M. Collins III

George Collins Obituary

COLLINS, George M., III Age 64, of Needham, a veteran, died December 31, 2011, New Year's Eve day, as a result of complications from non-Hodgkins Lymphoma treatment. Mr. Collins proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, as part of Strategic Air Command, during the Vietnam Conflict. During his military service he was directly exposed to Agent Orange, and it was this exposure that caused his Lymphoma. For his military service he earned the Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze campaign stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He dedicated his civilian life to the understanding of how things work, whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise. He developed the skills and know-how to truly repair anything. With that passion he opened Auto Dynamics, an automotive service business, which remained in operation for more than 25 years until his passing. Later in life he developed an affinity for collecting and restoring both vintage Royal Enfield motorcycles and antique pocket watches. He was always eager to help his family, friends, and even strangers, sharing generously and selflessly his time and expertise. In doing so he has influenced and impacted countless people's lives. He was also an animal lover, and gave of himself to care for numerous cats, dogs, and injured wildlife. He is survived by his life partner of nearly 30 years, Joan L. Gollub, of Needham, MA, his mother Anne K. Collins, of Plympton, MA, his 3 sisters, Laurin Wharton, of Plymouth, MA, Lynn Wiksten, of Plympton, MA, and Alison Raines, of Princeton, NC, and his step-son, Andrew D. Gollub, of Hull, MA. His memory will be honored with a gathering of friends and family on Sun. January 29, from 3-5 PM at the Wellesley College Club, just off Rte. 16, in Wellesley, MA. Letters of comfort and sympathy may be sent to Joan Gollub, 120 Locust Lane, Needham, MA 02492. George will live on in all of us that he touched.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for George Collins

16 Entries

Charles R Pearson Jr.....Chuck

January 18, 2025

I recall our times together ....Training , Inspection committees and all the great times and mostly the heartfelt conversations .......true friends are hard to come by.....how after all these years i miss them .

David Forte

December 7, 2022

10 years gone, by, I met George at Wellesley Sunoco, he was a mechanic there. He was a very meticulous one, great at diagnostics, that was probably around 1978 or so, I stayed in touch with him as much as I could. But as life gets busy friends sometimes don´t get together as often as we´d like. I did visit sometimes to the medfield shop, I remember when he was sick, being treated & we managed to get out on motorcycles, we were ripping down 27 towards the shop easily going 100 mph! I thought how great it was that we got out to enjoy life & I knew George was digging it . I know George is still up there riding in the heavens. RIP my friend & god bless you & your family.

Robert Hopson

March 12, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,
I just heard of George's passing, and would like to extend my sincere condolences for your loss. I have known George since the 70's and always considered him a good friend. I'll miss visiting him at the shop in Medfield.

Paula Cagno Maddaleni

February 24, 2012

Dear Mary and Mae,

I am so sad to hear of the passing of George. You all held a special place in my parents hearts, and George will be dearly missed.

Chuck Pearson

February 10, 2012

I must say it is quiet in my world as to not having George to debate Automotive Tech.changes. It is always quiet when one losses a friend but we will carry on the memories that are a great part of our being, God Bless the time we had in our lifes travels.

Eric Taylor

January 28, 2012

George was a very special person. I feel privileged to have known him and will miss him forever. His strength and character was an inspiration to all.
Good bye dear friend. I will always remember you.

Jennifer Moores

January 28, 2012

I am praying for you to have peace and strength at this time. You have my deepest sympathies.

Alison Raines

January 28, 2012

I miss you dear brother.

Jim Boesel

January 26, 2012

I first met George when no one could figure out what was wrong with my car, he did. Little did I know what a friend he'd come to be. I learned so much from him and he was always a good friend. I will miss him deeply. Our prayers are with you.

Patti Beckman

January 26, 2012

We have such great memories of George and Mae serving refreshments at the CCP shows. They made everyone feel welcome and cared for. Our love and sympathy is with Mae, Mary and Jack..

June Wulff

January 25, 2012

George always had a joke or a funny story to tell - and he loved throwing out some Yiddish words to make me giggle. I will always remember his smile, sense of humor, and him and Mae serving hot dogs during Colonial Chorus intermissions!
With love and condolences to Mae, Mary, and Jack,
June and Jim Wulff

January 25, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the Collins family. Our prayers are with you all. John and Mary Gamby

Orlando Florida

B. Hamilton

January 25, 2012

Dear Joanie and Family,

My sincere condolences in George's passing. I had met George in 1988 at his shop on Great Plain Ave in Needham at which point he became the only person I let work on my car and followed him to all of his locations throughout the years. We had shared a lot of laughs during those years.

As time passed, we had lost touch for a number of years, but reconnected last year which is when I learned of his illness. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to speak with my friend once more...Rest in peace, George, and if you see my Trans Am up there, please take her out for a joy ride...

Rick Taylor

January 24, 2012

Dear Joanie and Family,

We are all so sad at the passing of George. He was always willing to help with a happy heart no matter what the circumstance, and he will be missed dearly. We all cared deeply for George and we are just devastated at his passing. All our thoughts and prayers are with you and I know George is with our Mom now.

Sincerest condolances.

The Rick Taylor Family

Alan & Beatriz Keller

January 24, 2012

Joanie, Family and Friends,
We wish to express our sincere condolences on your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. I met George in 1977 when I married my late wife Marcy. We were close for many years and talked often of our lives and many other conversations that lasted into the early morning hours. We lost touch when my wife passed but I thought of him often and the times we shared sitting around the fire enjoying each others company. I was thinking of him a few days ago and mentioned to my wife that it's been too long and I have to go visit him. Sadly, today I saw the news and it took me with great surprise by his passing. I wish for you George to be at peace, rest and sleep tight my friend.

Leonardo Savona

January 24, 2012

To Joanie, Family and Friends, It is with great sadness that I write this. George and I met in 2001 when my wife and I took over our business in Medfield. From the very first day I met George he and I felt like we had known each other for a long time. We had great conversations and thanks to his patience to get people to understand their repairs, or in our case beyond car repair, I am able to say that I learned a ton. Thank you George. I have missed our days togehter and with this very sad news I feel a void that I am afraid will never be filled. I pray that you are at peace. Thank you my friend....God Speed...You are missed however not forgotten. Leonardo Savona (Dessert Wokrs)

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