Ronald George Collins

Ronald George Collins, 84, of Mahwah, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on October 16th at his home in Stuart, Florida, with his beloved wife by his side.

Born September 2, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Ron was a man of boundless energy, intelligence, and dedication. After earning his B.S. from St. Peter's College in 1963, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965. He went on to receive his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1968, beginning a distinguished 57-year legal career specializing in probate law, estate tax planning, and corporate law. From 1990-1994, Ron also served as a member and officer of the New Jersey District Ethics Committee of the Office of Attorney Ethics.

Ron was competitive to the core, bringing his whole heart to everything he did-whether on the tennis court, golf course, paddle court, knock hockey, checkers or sailing the open waters. His competitive spirit was well-known; he once raced a sailboat against a tanker in Baltimore harbor, terrifying his usually unflappable wife, but winning, nonetheless.

This was Ron at his finest: fearless, determined, and triumphant. A man of strength, integrity, and wit, Ron possessed both fierce dedication and a compassionate heart for his family. Generous with both his resources and his time, he was a rock for his wife through every storm and a provider who ensured his family's security and stability.

He was actively involved in his community as well. As a devoted member of his beloved Ridgewood Country Club, he served on the Club's Membership Committee from 1988-1989 and as its Chair from 1990-1992. He also served as a member on the board of directors of the local YMCA.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Klara Gubacs-Collins, his sister Sheila Collins, his daughter Tahra Collins, his son Christopher Collins, two grandchildren Grainger and Carys, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, sister-in law Kelly Collins and many more loving family members. Ron is predeceased by his parents Leo and Catherine Collins, wife Ebbie Collins, siblings Maureen (Robert) Fritz, John (Edith) Collins, Leo Collins and brother-in law Dr. Dirk Appel.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 20th from 4-6 PM at Feeney Funeral Home, 232 Franklin Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 21st at 11 AM at St. Gabriel the Archangel's Roman Catholic Church, 88 E Saddle River Rd, Saddle River, NJ 07458.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a donation in Ron's memory to the Dementia Friendly Fund, which fosters a national movement to support people with dementia and their caregivers. To donate, please visit: https://www.usaging.org/donate-dementia-friendly-fund.