Steve Collins

March 20, 1939 - March 8, 2025

Modesto, California - Joseph Stephen "Steve" Collins passed away peacefully on the morning of March 8, 2025, surrounded by the loving presence of his wife, Linda, daughter, Alison, and caregiver Lupe. A Memorial service will be held May 7th, noon, at the Modesto Junior College East Campus Main Auditorium.

Steve Collins was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents Florie Louise and Joseph Vincent Collins. The family relocated many times during his early life and finally settled in Modesto in 1950. He quickly came to love the central valley's warm climate and friendly people. Having a life long passion for service and fellowship, he became an Eagle Scout and YMCA camp counselor. A graduate of Thomas Downey High school, Steve excelled in competitive speech and debate, varsity golf, service clubs, and student government. He served as student body president during the academic year of 1956 to 1957.

Steve attended Modesto Junior College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1960. He then matriculated to the University of the Pacific where he received both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees, majoring in American History and Rhetoric. In January of 1963 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Linda.

In the fall of 1962 Steve took what was supposed to be a temporary position as a speech instructor at Modesto Junior College. He continued to serve the institution in various capacities until his final retirement in 2019. While at MJC Steve coached both individual speech and interpretive events and debate teams achieving multiple statewide and National titles. He was named the Ronald Reagan California Debate Coach of the Year in 1973. In the 1980's and 90's Steve moved on to administrative positions at Modesto Junior College, including Dean of Arts and Humanities, Vice President of Instruction, and finally he served as interim President of Modesto Junior College, 2018 through early 2019.

Steve loved golf, the arts, especially Jazz music, and service. In his spare time he organized golf vacation tours and served on non-profit and arts boards, including MJC Foundation and Opera Modesto. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto for sixty years, and was a member of College Avenue United Church of Christ for over fifty years.

Donations may be given to the Modesto Junior College Foundation, Opera Modesto, or North Modesto Kiwanis Club.

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

Published by Modesto Bee from Apr. 9 to Apr. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Collins

Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.

19 Entries

Rod Brush

September 20, 2025

You probably don't remember me, I used to do yard work for your family when you lived on Annapolis(?) Avenue. I think John and Louise Mudie recommended me to you. I was just a kid but when I attended MJC later I had a class taught by Steve. I always thought Steve and you were very nice and inspired me to have an open mind which I have to this day. My condolences.

Runston maino

September 6, 2025

Today I received my copy of the MJC Foundation report and saw the notice about Steve's death.

We were classmates at Downey 1957 and were counselors at Camp Jack Hazard.

It was inspiring to read all of these wonderful comments about him. He certainly lived a full and interesting life of service to others.

Tony Maino

Jane Anderson

May 15, 2025

Steve was my mentor/ inspiration when I attended MJC from 1969-1971. He taught me not only self confidence, but also the gift of Communication, in every sense of the word. I won many Speech competition awards for my "oral interpretation" under both his, and Jim Johnson´s guidance. My passion for Speech, coupled with my strong support for children with Special Needs, led me to my career choice: I was a Public School Speech/ Language Specialist for over 40 years. My gratitude to Steve will be lifelong. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and Allison during this very difficult time.

Steven Gordo

May 1, 2025

So sorry, Linda, Alison and the whole Collins family. Steve was a speech legend in Modesto and he easily earned people's respect and affection with his casual, elegant, intelligent manners. As an adult, as you may recall, I had the privilege of meeting Steve, while Alison and I were in the same MJC play. As he was a formidable advocate for the arts and sensible debate, Modesto and California will be poorer in his absence. I will not be able to attend, but hope you will appreciate my good thoughts and wishes for healing of all of Steve's family and fellow friends from the hurt.
May God bless his memory.
Thank you, Steve, for making Modesto a better place.

Kevin

May 1, 2025

Steve was a great friend . I met him while I was with North Modesto Kiwanis club and he will be missed .

L Jane Saldana-Talley

April 30, 2025

Linda and Alison: I am so deeply saddened by this news and can only imagine your grief and sorrow. I was a fledgling dean at MJC in the years when Steve was VPI and Bob Gavreau his sidekick. I learned so much from both of them, but it was Steve who set the standard as a kind and caring leader. The MJC `Dean Team´ was the best I ever worked with. When I was hired as VPAA at SRJC, Steve was the first to call and congratulate me. His example guided my career as an educational leader and I told stories about him for years. My deepest condolences to you, your family and the many friends and colleagues who were lucky enough to know him. We loved him in equal measure to his love for us.

Sharon Froba

April 29, 2025

Steve was a wise, kind, and admirable man. I feel fortunate to have known him.

Teri Nicoll-Johnson

April 27, 2025

Throughout my 30 years teaching at MJC I got to know Steve in many different capacities, serving on many committees together. Even when we represented opposing sides ( Steve´s as an administrator, me from the union) I never heard him say a negative word about anyone. His wise counsel, calm demeanor, sense of humor and keen ability to solve problems earned him much respect from all his colleagues. It was a true pleasure to have known and worked with Steve.

Pat & Bob Gowdy

April 25, 2025

Bob knew Steve via Camp Jack Hazard summer events, and Pat knew Steve at Downey High because he was my great friend Linda's boyfriend. He touched so many lives during his career. I hope a crowd will attend his memorial service. He deserves it!

John Lee

April 20, 2025

Steve was ahead if me in high school, but we were camp counselors together at Camp Jack Hazard. He was kind and competent beyond his years.

Dennis Wilson

April 17, 2025

Sorry to learn that we have lost another member of the Class of 57' at TDHS. Steve and I grew up on Hackberry Avenue here in Modesto. We also spent a great time on the Downey Golf Team. Steve RIP until we meet again!

Jennifer Monday

April 14, 2025

I have been blessed to be friends and hairdresser to the Collins' since 1981...Steve was the most interesting, thoughtful, kind, patient, considerate and inspiring man I have ever known. His love and pride for Linda and Allison was at the top of the list for all the things that really matter. That list is long, as many, many, many things mattered to Steve. He lived by example. May the peace that only comes from knowing Jesus be with you Linda and Allison...and bless you Alison for your total devotion to your folks.

Dorothy Scully

April 11, 2025

Dear Linda,
I was so sorry to read of Steve´s passing. It must be so difficult to be without your loving partner of over 60 years. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends. Steve rests in the arms of the Lord now.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Scully

Elizabeth Silveira

April 11, 2025

Dear Linda and Allison,

I was so sorry to read of Steve´s passing. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
I used to sit up in my office and see him every day checking his mail. If I was out, we would always speak. I know what a great loss his passing has had on yourselves.
He was a true gentleman and I was honored to know him.

Your neighbors,
Elizabeth Silveira
& Troy Ockey

Barbara McDermott (former Cushing)

April 11, 2025

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

Ray Miller

April 11, 2025

Steve is the most extraordinary person I've ever encountered. He possessed an incisive mind. We shared a love of golf, the arts, and poetry. He was proud of the fact that he brought Allen Ginsberg to Modesto. We reconnected in later life and shared our thoughts on a wide variety of topics over coffee at the Village Bakery. I will forever cherish those conversations. He was truly an extraordinary man.

Joan Trombetta Clendenin

April 10, 2025

Steve and Linda were debaters for Downey High School while I was doing the same at Modesto HS. Later attended MJC with Linda.
My prayers are for Steve, Linda and Allison. May he RIP.

David Takvorian

April 9, 2025

Just out of the Air Force and home from Vietnam in 1971 I had the honor of being a student in Mr. Collins speech class. I still remember what a wonderful and influential teacher he was to this day. When I think of Mr. Collins I just smile. RIP you wonderful man and teacher, I will never forget that great experience.

Dick Hagerty

April 9, 2025

Steve was a great friend
And a real stalwart at MJC
Classy guy
He will be missed

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