Richard A Collins

Richard A. (Dick) Collins, 75, of Bergenfield and formerly New Milford, passed away peacefully on August 28 after a long illness. Dick was born and raised in New Milford, NJ, the son of Robert W. and Agnes (Beyea) Collins. He was predeceased by his parents, his older brother Bobby, and his loyal Labrador retrievers-who no doubt greeted him with tails wagging at heaven's gates. He is survived by a sister. From an early age, Dick's greatest passion was sports. At New Milford High School (Class of 1968), he excelled in baseball and football, continuing his athletic career at Ithaca College (Class of 1972). He went on to play semi-pro baseball in the Metropolitan Baseball League and participated in the Stan Musial and Suburban Men's Baseball Leagues, as well as the New Milford Men's Softball League with close friends with whom he played and coached throughout his life. Along the way, he formed an unbreakable bond with many cherished friends, most notably five lifelong high school buddies and their wives; and with others who became like family while enjoying vacations, golf outings, New Year's Eve celebrations, Giants games, and get-togethers. Their laughter, loyalty, and memories carried him through every stage of his life. After college, Dick began his professional career as a Phys Ed teacher in the New Milford school system, where he taught for nine years and became known to countless students simply as "Mr. Collins." He went on to serve as Director of Technical Process Operations at Glatt Air Techniques, Inc. from 1985 until his retirement in 2015. Coaching was one of his greatest callings. For 16 seasons, he proudly coached River Dell High School baseball teams. He was beloved by his players not only for his knowledge and love of the game but for the relationships he forged with them. In 2016, Dick received the Bergen County Coaches Association's Special Award for his contributions to Bergen County high school athletics. He also coached baseball and football at his alma mater, New Milford High School, shaping the lives of a multitude of players. In 1983, Dick met the love of his life, Terri (Delorme) Collins. They married in 1987 and built a life full of devotion, love, laughter, and partnership. To Terri, he was not only a husband, but her hero, her handyman, her chauffeur "Hoke," and the center of her world. His daughter, Caroline (Collins) Geraci, was the light of his life. His face beamed whenever she and her husband, Joe, walked into the room. Dick was endlessly proud of his grandsons, Michael, Alex, and JT, whose strength on the football field, athletic drive, and genuine kindness mirror his own, and who carry forward his spirit and zest for life. His family circle was wide. He will be missed dearly by his brothers- and sisters-in-law-Robert and Christine Delorme, Janine Delorme Nowatzky and Desmond Sherry, and Richard and Amanda Delorme-as well as his five nephews: James Delorme (and wife Sruti), Michael Nowatzky (and fiancée Abby), Eric Nowatzky, Luc Delorme, and Jack Delorme. His nephews were his pride and joy, with whom he shared sports, fishing, music, thumb wars, arm wrestling, and plenty of laughter. He was especially grateful to his nephew Michael, whose selfless unending care during his final weeks brought him peace and comfort. Beyond his career and family, Dick's life was rich with hobbies and friendships. He loved fishing, golfing, tinkering in his garage, bike riding (with his makeshift side mirror), and playing music. A founding member of the "Backyard Boys," he earned the title "Washboard Legend." Known also as "The Assassin," a silent predator of large mouth bass, "Deek," "Dickie," and "Uncle Wenis," his wit and humor were never in short supply. He was a lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, an antique collector, and a lover of good craftsmanship. He believed in hard work, fixing what was broken, and always carrying a pocket knife. For him, it was more than a tool; it was a philosophy: that in a complicated world, there is honor in simplicity, preparedness, and being someone others could count on. Above all, Dick was more than a husband, father, brother, Pop, uncle, coach, and friend-he was loving, loyal and humble like his Labs, the sprit animal he joked about being connected to. He leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, humor, and quiet strength that will live on in all who were lucky enough to know him. He was the kind of man the world could use more of. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick's memory may be made to FOCAS, Bergen County's Animal Welfare Organization, or Happy Tails Animal Rescue in Paramus, NJ.