Robert F. Collins Jr.

1937 - 2024

Robert F. Collins, Jr., 87, of Hernando, Florida, formerly of Peabody and Attleboro, MA died Tuesday October 1, 2024 at Vitas Healthcare Hospice Care in Lecanto, Florida. He was the husband of Patricia E. (Heroux) Collins.

He was born in Norwood, MA, and raised in Westwood, MA. He was the son of Robert F. and Beatrice I. (Roach) Collins. He was a graduate of Holy Cross Cathedral High School, Boston College and several banking schools. Bob began his career at Attleboro Trust Company where he worked his way up the corporate ladder finding his niche as a senior marketing professional. He later directed marketing efforts at Arlington Five Cents Savings Bank and First Essex Bank.

He led a remarkable and multifaceted life! He built a successful career in banking and marketing, but his entrepreneurial spirit truly shone through in his diverse ventures. His commitment to hard work and mentoring others left a lasting impact on those around him, especially his six children, to whom he instilled important values beyond material success. He had a wonderful sense of humor, always the life of the party, and very proud of his Irish heritage, never letting anyone forget it.

A true entrepreneur, he built many businesses throughout his life including real estate investments, financial services, property management, a community newspaper, a cable TV service, restaurant, and liquor stores. He was fortunate enough to retire early and move to Citrus Hills, Florida with his wife. Bob's idea of retirement was to work harder than he previously worked before "retiring", which he continued to do until his health prevented him from going into his office in his mid 80's. He had a wealth of knowledge and mentored so many younger people throughout his life. He was well respected by his family, friends, colleagues and was the "go to guy" when there was a problem to be fixed or a cause that needed a leader to pick up the baton and run with it to successful conclusions.

He instilled in his children that same value of hard work, and that success was not measured solely by material wealth but what you do for those around you. Throughout his life, he was deeply involved in the communities in which he lived, serving as volunteer, and in leadership positions with many organizations including the Jaycees, Lions Club, Junior Achievement and Miss Massachusetts Pageant, Miss America in Atlantic City, the Ted Williams Museum and the board of Citrus County Hospital Foundation.

He coached Little League Baseball for many years in Attleboro, leading his teams to City Championships as well as Statewide All Stars. He was a diehard Boston sports fan, loving everything Boston College, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots. Moving to Florida didn't change that and he made sure to subscribe to all the Boston newspapers, so he didn't miss a game or a score.

He leaves behind six children, Robert F. Collins, III and his wife Nellia of Fall River, MA, Dianne M. Collins-Lambert of Medfield, MA, Patricia A. Couturier of Mesa, AZ, Richard D. Collins of Marlborough, MA, T. Bernadette Holden of Mesa, AZ, and Paul J. Collins and his wife Heidi of North Grafton, MA, two stepdaughters, Maureen Figuerado, her husband David of Dade City, FL, Karen Ford, her husband Bob of Spring Hill, FL and predeceased by his step-son Kevin Freitas of Millington, TN. He was blessed with 15 Grandchildren, 19 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-great-granddaughter, and sadly, was predeceased by two great-grand babies, Mason and Henry. He also leaves several Collins and Roach Cousins in Massachusetts and Florida.

A Private burial will be held in Fero Memorial Gardens in Beverly Hills, Florida. An hour of visitation will be held from 9am – 10am on Friday at Heinz Funeral Home, 2507 Highway 44 W, Inverness. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Alzheimer's Association, https://act.alz.org.