Thomas Collins Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home on Oct. 1, 2025.
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Thomas Michael Collins, 78, a resident of Naperville for 50 years, passed away today surrounded by family. Tom battled both Parkinsons Disease and Lewy Body dementia for the past 8 years. He was born in Chicago on August 31, 1946.
Tom is survived by Marilyn, his loving wife of 56 years; his children Michelle (Grant) Manley, Tina (Matt) Burk, and Tom (Taylor) Collins; and his six beloved grandchildren Lucy and Annie Burk, Gavin and Brooke Manley, and Tommy and Owen Collins. He is also survived by his sisters Peg (Brad) Napralla, Jeanie (Tim) Farrell, Eileen (Damien) McArdle, his brother John (Peggy) Collins, and nine nieces and nephews on the Collins side. Sisters-in-law, Kathy (James) Meersman and Karla Smiley, and four nieces and nephews on the Amundsen side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Collins; his sister, Mary Kay Esposito; his niece, Erin Vallicelli and his father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Bernice Amundsen.
Tom grew up in Westchester, Illinois, and attended Quigley North High School. He went on to study at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. After college, Tom joined the family business, JJ Collins Sons-a printing company founded in 1878 by his great-great-grandfather. His journey with the company began in the summer of 1962, working part-time, and over the next 46 years, he devoted his career to its continued success. Tom proudly carried on the family legacy, eventually serving as president until his retirement in 2014.
He was a longtime member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, where his faith remained an important part of his life.
An avid golfer, Tom was a proud member of Cress Creek Country Club for 45 years. He found great joy in the game-whether enjoying a round on the course, sharing laughs with friends, or embracing the challenges of competition. The friendships and memories made there were among his most cherished.
Above all, Tom's greatest joy came from his family. He loved watching his grandchildren grow and thrive, especially as they pursued their passions on the field, the stage, and the court. Their accomplishments filled him with pride, and being "Papa" brought him immeasurable happiness. He treasured every moment spent with his loved ones and found deep fulfillment in celebrating their lives and sharing in their joys.
Tom's legacy of dedication, love, and quiet strength lives on in those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the A.D.O.P.T Pet Shelter (https://www.adoptpetshelter.org/) or the Naperville Area Humane Society (https://www.naperhumane.org/donate) in honor of his love for the family pets who went before him - Muffy, Maggie, Patches, Stella, and Otis.
Tom will be missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be Monday August 11, 4:00-8:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 12, 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville. A private family inurnment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL in the future.
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