Deane A. Collins

Deane Anthony Collins ("Dino"), age 60, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2025, at his residence.

Dean was born on September 1, 1965, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to the late Estelle Faye Collins. He was a proud graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Class of 1985, and later earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Dutchess Community College.

Dean dedicated more than 35 years of service to working with youth in group homes and the New York State Division for Youth Juvenile Detention Centers. His career was rooted in protecting, guiding, and mentoring children in need of direction and support. After relocating to Virginia, Dean continued his public service and ultimately retired from the Newport News Juvenile Detention Center as Superintendent. At the time of his passing, he was employed by Virginia State Probation and Parole, serving as a Surveillance Officer. Throughout his career, Dean remained deeply committed to counseling young people, encouraging them to make positive choices and believe in their potential to become better versions of themselves.

Dean was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply and without reservation. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father, always present and actively involved in every aspect of his children's lives. He proudly assisted with coaching youth wrestling and youth football teams, leaving a lasting impression on both his children and the many young people he supported. His sudden passing has been devastating to his family and all who knew him.

Dean was also an integral and valued member of the Harris Family Circle which has been holding family reunions since 1960. During his time serving as Harris Family President, Dean was honored to lead and serve the family which convenes annually. He approached this role with integrity and selflessness, making every decision with the family's best interests at heart. His leadership strengthened family bonds and reflected the deep love he held for his extended family.

An avid golfer, Dean was a member of several golf leagues throughout New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Florida. He also enjoyed shooting sports and took pride in his firearm collection. Dean was recognized within a local neighborhood program as the best target shooter, a distinction earned through skill, discipline, and focus. He also enjoyed fine bourbon and the fellowship that came with sharing time with friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his mother, Estelle Collins; his grandmother, Geneva Bundy; his brother, Paul Collins; his aunts, Marcel "Auntie" Peart, Lucy Powell, Eugene Harris, Velma Yeomans, and Marie Jackson, all of New York; and his uncles, Robert Harris and Nick Freeman of Tennessee.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 33 years, Charlene Collins of Virginia; his daughter, Maiya Collins of Virginia; and his son, Donte' Collins of Virginia. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane Collins of California, Lael Collins and Gail Collins of New York; his brothers, Greg Collins, David Collins, and Dion Collins, all of New York; his sister-aunt, Kelly Johnson McDonald and her husband, Rob, of South Carolina; more than twenty nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues, golf buddies, and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Beechwood Recreation Club House, 313 Beechmont Drive, Newport News, Virginia, 23608. Please come as you are no dress code required.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and the overwhelming outpouring of love during this difficult time.

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