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Lawrence Albert Collins

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Lawrence Collins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 4, 2023.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Lawrence Albert Collins of Clermont, Fl on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the age of 80 years.

Larry was born in Albany, NY, moved with his parents to Boston, Ma and finally to Pittsburgh where he grew up. He attended Pitt University and Penn State. He enlisted in the Army in the tank division and played sports for them. In 1971, he moved to Orlando with his 1st wife (Dorothy) and two children. He worked for the Bell System and retired from AT&T. Running and biking were his passions.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Deborah Collins of 44 years, his children: Kimberly Cromley, Matthew (Laura), and Heather. Grandchildren: Karli (Jon) Replogle, Christopher (Maddie), and Sara (Jonmichael), and Great Granddaughter Lola Replogle. Sister: Mary Lawrence and Sister-In-Law Susan Collins.

He was predeceased by his brother Steve, his niece Chelsea, and his parents Albert and Mary.

He will also be deeply missed by all his friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held later.

Memorial donations may be made in Larry's name to The Russell Home for Atypical Children, Inc, 510 W. Holden Ave, Orlando, Fl 32839.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff of Cornerstone Hospice for their help and compassion.

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Recent Activity

October 25, 2023

Karli Replogle posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2023

Karen Trylovich posted to the memorial.

July 7, 2023

susan L collins posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Karli Replogle

October 25, 2023

I'm so glad that I get to be one of four people in the world that got to call Larry Collins Grandpa and that I had the honor of making him a grandfather.
No one would ever accuse Grandpa of being an easy, go with the flow person. In fact, I think we can all agree he's one of the most stubborn people in all our lives. Everything he did had purpose. He knew what he wanted and even more of what he didn't want. He had a clear picture of what he wanted in life, his end goal, and never stopped until he achieved it. When he did achieve it, he immediately set out for the next one.
He not only expected perfection, but he demanded it too. He expected it from himself and others. As a little girl growing up, that was intimidating and I so badly wanted to do all I could to make him proud.
Now as an adult, I realize and acknowledge that Grandpa wasn't only expecting and demanding perfection for him, but he wanted me to expect and demand that perfection for myself. That he wanted me to have the self worth and confidence to not just set goals but concur them.

I had asked Grandpa what his favorite memory of just the two of us was. He told me watching The Sound of Music together. I couldn't love any answer more than that one. He's such a big part of the things I love, musicals, Doowop, the Boston Red Sox, and cigars.

Grandpa loved big and loud or softly, there was no in between. He loved dramatic, grand gestures, like taking us on trips across the world, but his absolute favorite part of Christmas was getting us silly stocking stuffers from the dollar store. He wrote to me that his perfect day was lying in bed with his wife listening to the rain pour on the roof.

The man was a total inigma and he had 80 years, 4 months and 10 days of living his life as fully as possible.
He loved the Publix, where shopping really is a pleasure he'd tell me, Uncle Goofy, Sis's Mac and cheese, classic movies, timeless music, seasonal bedspreads, and obnoxious colors. Probably because up in Pittsburgh there's not much outside of shades of gray. The only person I know that would put a half full beer back in the fridge to finish the next day.

He held on longer than any of us thought possible. I truly believe one of the reasons he held on so long was due to the fact that he loved having so many of the ones he cared for most, all together and hearing stories he got to be apart of.
He was such a wonderful story teller and one of my favorite past times was our weekly and sometimes even biweekly phone calls. He was always so excited to answer all my questions about his growing up and the shenanigans he'd get into, all the amazing places he's seen.

I hope to live my own life as dedicated and as passionate as him and I'm so glad that I got to be apart of his for almost 30 years.
I think he'd be incredibly humbled and equally thrilled, to see just how many lives he touched.

Karen Trylovich

July 27, 2023

So sorry to hear of the loss of Larry. We had many fun times as well as challenges as work colleagues. My heart goes out to Deborah and family.

susan L collins

July 7, 2023

My heart is breaking for all of you. I can never forget the good times and want to forget Larry's struggle at the end.
I would like to remember him running the Pittsburgh Marathon then folding himself into that little sports car and driving non-stop back to Florida. How he always remembered to send a card for every birthday and holiday. When he dropped everything and came here to help me when Steve was in the hospital. His pride in everything North Allegheny. (how will we know the football score Larry?) When Chelsea teased her Uncle Larry for listening to "elevator music"
Steve could harass and tease him, as only a nuisance little brother could, but honestly he was so proud of him and told him he loved him always.
Deborah, your love for Larry was so plain to see in the way you took care of him these last difficult months. I pray for peace now for you and Kim, Matt Heather and Karli. Larry and Steve are in heaven trading jokes and talking football.
Love you all,
Sue

Alicia Leitch

July 6, 2023

Uncle Larry was always a very sweet and kind uncle. He will be missed very much. Praying for the family. Deborah and Heather I love y'all very much!!!

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Art Walker NA Head Football Coach

July 6, 2023

In memory of a great fan who followed the North Allegheny Tigers football team year after year! Thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends. He will be missed. T4L [Tiger 4 Life]

Bill Tyndal

July 5, 2023

Larry was a respected co-worker and good friend to me for many years. We grew up together literally through working for Southern Bell and AT&T. We learner so much about communications and life through our many years at these great companies.
Larry was a very competitive and professional communications consultant . We worked on many projects and client proposals together which helped us both become better people and employees .
We knew both Larry & Debora when they met and fell in love and our heart goes out to Debora for the loss of her life partner .
We ran long distances together and competed in many events which he always won...a great athlete !
Larry leaves many close friends who will miss him from his days at the telephone company . May God bless you and keep you forever in his care. WE ALL WILL MISS YOU LARRY!!

Mary Collins Lawrence

July 5, 2023

Big brother,
I remember those Saturday mornings on Balmoral Drive when we watched Rahmar of the Jungle, Lone Ranger, and Howdy Doody. That black and white tv, and the radios we each had beside our beds where we listened to ball games and be-bop weren´t very hi tech but they were just right. We spent a lot of time outside playing badminton with the family, and kickball with the neighbor kids. Lots of board games....Clue and Monopoly were top of the list. Remember mom and dad made you take me with you to the movies on Sundays with your friends. You were a pretty good sport about it. We both loved what is now called "the oldies". So when you went to summer camp you tasked me with writing down the Top 40 each week.....thanks a lot. That was an all day job!
Over the years I enjoyed talking to you about family memories and family history. You were definitely a sustainer of family history, and I gleaned from talking to you, that you and Deborah were initiators and keepers of family traditions. Thank you for that. There may never be again a North Allegheny Tigers or Steelers fan like you! It leaves a sad void in my life now that I don´t have you and Steve to talk to about our childhood, our family and our history.
Over the past four years I observed a man of such strength and fortitude as you faced such overwhelming health issues. You never complained (except for the wait time at doctors appointments), you always remained positive to the end and even encouraged me to do the same when I faced cancer. True warrior, beloved brother, an epic Collins. You´ll always be in my heart.
Mary

Kathy Stephens-Thompson

July 5, 2023

Larry was was of the kindest, most welcoming and wittiest people I know. We always had a blast at our get together dinners. He was always a big competitor but at the end of the day, in it for the fun - unless of cour competing in athletics (as it should be)! Larry was loved and will be missed by so many people. I´m sure he is up in heaven talking Gator football with my Jerry. RIP my dear friend.. God has a better plan!

Heather Collins

July 5, 2023

Heather Collins

July 5, 2023

Heather Collins

July 5, 2023

Thank you for everything daddy! I loved our father/daughter trips that we would take in the summers. I have so many great memories with you that I would be here all day. It is true that a father is a daughters first love, cause you are mine. I miss you so much. Until we meet again, I love you. Forever in my heart.

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