John J "Jack" Collins

John "Jack" Collins, 82, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, after years of health challenges, met each day with resilience, determination, and an unwaveringly positive spirit. His ability to remain upbeat through adversity became one of his defining traits. Jack faced his health issues head-on, beginning every morning with his carefully kept routine of medications, stretches, and an attitude rooted in gratitude, humor, and quiet strength.

Jack was born in Brookline, the beloved son of the late John and Margaret (O'Halloran) Collins. He was educated in the Brookline school system and graduated from Brookline High School, where he proudly wore the colors of the varsity hockey team. His love of sports began early and never faded. A devoted New England Patriots fan, Jack also followed college football closely and had an amazing trip to South Bend to see Notre Dame play, and held season tickets to the Boston Bruins. His loyalty ran so deep that it was not uncommon for him to travel out of state to see his beloved teams compete in away games.

Following high school, Jack furthered his education at Northeastern University, earning a degree in marketing. While attending college, he did an internship with a small and newly established department store, Bradlees, a decision that would shape both his career and his life. What began as an entry-level position grew into a remarkable 30-year career. Through dedication, leadership, and a genuine respect for people, Jack advanced from associate to manager, store manager, regional manager, and ultimately regional vice president. Along the way, he formed lifelong friendships and left a lasting mark wherever he worked. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was the remodeling and redesign of the Burlington Bradlees, a project he approached with meticulous care and pride. Jack retired after three decades with the company, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity.

Despite his professional success, Jack valued nothing more than his family. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Linda Brown. They married in 1966, beginning a devoted partnership that would span decades. Together, they raised their children, each of whom Jack was immensely proud of. A hands-on father, he coached his sons' hockey teams and continued to give back to the community through many years of coaching with Burlington Youth Hockey.

Jack was a man of strong Catholic faith, and his values guided every aspect of his life. He instilled those beliefs in his children through example, teaching kindness, humility, service, and responsibility. He enjoyed volunteering at Saint Margaret Church and took quiet pride in giving back, never seeking recognition, only the satisfaction of helping others.

Jack's sense of community extended well beyond the church and the rink. His neighborhood softball team, the "Town Liners," kept him closely connected to friends and neighbors and helped foster enduring relationships that remain strong to this day. He was overjoyed later in life when he was able to reconnect with his cousins, the Boyles and the Wards. These relationships brought him great happiness and a renewed sense of family connection. He would often coordinate family gatherings that the Boyles, Wards and Glendon Cousins would join and reminisce about old times.

Family trips held a special place in Jack's heart. He loved time spent on Cape Cod, particularly in Truro where the family and friends vacationed at The Browne's Topside Cottages where if you fell asleep after Dad you were lullabied to sleep with his loveable snoring!! While vacationing in Truro, Jack and Linda had the opportunity to purchase a vacation home in Dennis and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at many beaches and restaurants around town. Jack cherished the Cape's beaches, enjoyed fishing, and took pride in working in the yard. He was never afraid of hard work, whether splitting wood to heat the home in winter or tackling any task that needed doing. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic, often described as blue-collar values earned while he was working a white-collar job.

Jack also loved to drive and travel, always with Linda by his side. Their annual trips to Florida became legendary, often accompanied by Jack's inevitable medical emergencies, which led the couple to visit a wide variety of hospitals, both memorable and not so memorable. These experiences simply became part of Jack's routine and another story to tell. While in Florida, they spent time in Marco Island and Bonita Springs. When health allowed, Jack and Linda traveled more extensively, visiting Aruba, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, Finland, Sweden, Bermuda, Ireland and England.

Jack's proudest and most joyful role came when he became a grandfather. Known lovingly as "Papa," he took immense pride in supporting his grandchildren. Whether cheering from the sidelines at lacrosse, soccer, or football games, or applauding proudly at dance recitals, Papa was always there, present, encouraging, and full of love.

Jack was predeceased by his brother, Robert "Bob" Collins and Thomas "Tommy" Collins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda (Brown) Collins of Burlington, his adoring children, Laura Connor and her husband Brian of Wendell, NC; Sean Collins and his wife Annmarie of Methuen, MA; and Chris Collins and his wife Kristin of Wilmington, MA. His loving grandchildren, Meagan and Riley Connor, Nicholas, Sarah, Brady, Molly, Cassidy, Kyle, Jessica, Jillian, and Jake Collins, three grand pups, Bruin, Moose and Oliver as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and lifelong friends who were like family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Thursday, January 22, from 4pm to 7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, at 10am at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica's Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington. His burial will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.