Michael Clifford Collinsworth

EAST MILLINOCKET - On Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by his family, Michael Clifford Collinsworth left this world and entered into eternal life after a brave, courageous and inspiring 4.5 year journey through pancreatic cancer. Michael was born on June 12, 1958, the 4th of 6 children born to Clifford and Priscilla Collinsworth.
Michael's generosity and kindness knew no bounds. He was known around the world by many for his big heart and willingness to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Through his many acts of selfless love, he would go on to become the man his family and friends admired and adored, hoping and aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
Michael grew up in East Millinocket, Maine on Cedar Street with his 5 siblings and parents, attending and graduating from Schenck High School in 1976. During his youth, if he wasn't taking things apart, he was jammin' on his guitar in local bands with his best friend Stephen Gardner. He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1980 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, and began what would become an incredibly successful career as a merchant marine.
Michael met the love of his life, Cheryl Wheaton, in 1981. They were married on June 22, 1984 at St. Peters Catholic Church in East Millinocket. On May 16, 1989, they welcomed into the world their first child, Amy Michelle. Four years later on June 16, 1993, they welcomed their next child, Aaron Michael. Even though Michael would be separated from his family for up to 6 months at a time sailing as a merchant marine, he never missed the important moments in his children's lives. Michael adored his family and was very proud of all their accomplishments.
Immediately after graduation from MMA, Michael began his career with LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), on the Virgo vessel that would travel all around the world. The U.S.-flagged LNG tanker, LNG Virgo, rescued Vietnamese boat refugees near death at sea, saving over 60 lives, a story documented in the film "Finding the Virgo". His later career would include these accomplishments: becoming a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves, working for Horizon Lines in numerous supervisory positions, and attaining the rank of Chief Engineer. In retirement, he spent his "spare time" subbing at Maritime Controls and overseeing projects for the Maine Maritime Academy training vessel.
While marine engineering was Michael's vocation, his passion was making music as an accomplished lead guitarist in several rock bands, most notably Amethyst and Legend (the band recognized as "Maine's Best New Rock Band" in 1984), beginning in high school, performing all around the state of Maine, and continuing throughout a prolific career that culminated in the "Amethyst Reunion Concert" on July 13, 2024 in East Millinocket. Of the many musicians with whom he performed, most became lifelong and cherished friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his father Clifford, his father- and mother-in law Perley and Shirley Wheaton, nephew Tyler Wheaton, and many dear aunts and uncles. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 46 years Cheryl (Wheaton) Collinsworth, his daughter Amy Collinsworth (and significant other Nicholas Chase), his son Aaron Collinsworth, his mother Priscilla Collinsworth, and aunts Esther Morris, Betty Morin, and Beverly Morin. He is survived by his five siblings: Darlene (and Dennis) Rosebush, Roger (and Sherri) Collinsworth, Mark (and Eleanor) Collinsworth, Beth (and Alan) Rider, and David Collinsworth; many nieces and nephews: Heather (and sons Carson and Rogan), Holly (and partner Derrick), Christopher (husband Jay and son Baylen), Katrina (husband Luc), Megan (partner Branden), Madison, and Adam (wife Angela and children Kyle and Rebecca). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Michael Wheaton, wife Sharon and their daughter Michaela; and countless cousins and friends of whom he was very fond.
Michael's life will be honored at a funeral Mass on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12 noon, at St. Peter's Church in East Millinocket, Maine. All are invited to calling hours at the church prior to the service, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation in Michael's memory to the Purple Iris Foundation at purpleirisfoundation.com.