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Thomas Collins Obituary
Former Milwaukee Braves, Brewers, and Marquette basketball radio announcer Tom Collins passed away on July 13, 2017 from congestive heart failure. He got his start in radio at WNAM in 1951.
In 1959 he was tapped by WEMP in Milwaukee to be part of the news team. Tom did the Braves' pregame shows for 3-4 years before doing play-by-play. When the Braves left in 1965, he went on to announce for the Brewers with a team that included Merle Harmon and Bob Uecker.
Collins did the play-by-play for Marquette University basketball games for fifteen years. Collins and coach Al McGuire became close friends and went out on top together - the last game Collins called was the 1977 NCAA championship game.
Tom stayed with radio, hosting a Big Bands show and Jazz show for WOKY.
On his 80th birthday, he retired from radio.
In 1947 Tom married Rosemary Zenefski (died 2013) and were married for 23 years. He leaves behind 6 children: Patrick (Micky), Lynne Johnson (Allan), MaryEllen, Kathleen Primozich (John), Bill, and Mark (Cathy). He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren. In 1977 Tom married Susan Mary Huber. They were married for 40 years until she passed in June, 2017. Susan leave behind one son, Steven Huber-Fredin.
A catholic mass with burial will be held on Saturday October 28th at St. Patrick's Church, 324 Nicolet Blvd. in Menasha, Wisconsin at 11am. A private burial at St. Margaret's Cemetery will take place after the mass. An Irish wake will be held in his honor at Beefeaters British Grille & Ale House at 2331 East Evergreen Drive, Appleton from 1PM until the wee hours. The family has requested that all who knew Tom, stop by for a toast to the Ol' Redhead.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Collins
Sponsored by the Appleton Post-Crescent.
4 Entries
Jerry Burke
October 28, 2017
So sad to hear/read about the Ole redhead! Tom grew up on the island in Neenah, just two blocks from my Grandmothers h
ouse. Tom, dare one say, can be blamed for launching my interest in broadcasting WWAAYYY back in the early 50's,...1950's for you whippersnappers. Tom was one of those who never forgot his roots, and even after moving to Milwaukee,...would come to mass at St. Pat's when he visited his hometown. So many good memories of a good man. RIP Tom! You remain a SOLID ASSET & mentor in so many ways for a lot of people..
Thom & Mary Ann Ciske
October 26, 2017
Dearest Collins Cousins,
I am deeply saddened by your fathers (my uncle and god-fathers) passing. He was genuinely one-of-a-kind in every sense of the word.
Tom had a boundless energy that was forever evident in his enviable zest for life.
I had a wonderful surprise one evening some years back as I was returning from a week at Norte Dame. As an old radio guy myself, I was channel surfing around the radio dial when I happened upon a voice I recognized in an instant. It was your father doing his big band program on WOKY. There was ABSOLOUTELY no mistaking those dulcet tones for anyone else. I thought Tom had retired some time earlier
For the next sixty minutes he warmed my heart with wonderful music and rekindled myriad memories of our families spending time together in Neenah..
I will always remember your father and mother, as well as all the Collins brothers and sisters with enormous fondness and admiration.
With the deepest sympathy and the warmest regards.
The Thom & Mary Ann Ciske Family
October 26, 2017
Thanks for the many months my mom listed yo you and bob peterson and johnny coy .i worked with bob AT HEWITT TRANSMISSION NEENAH WAY BACK IN THE YEARS GONE BYE NOW I'M ALMOST 70 Y O
TIM ..
Gail Cook
October 25, 2017
So sorry for losing your Dad. You don't know me but my father worked with your Dad at WNAM. He was a special man with a voice no one else had.My dad's radio name was Johnny Coy and they both worked with Bob Peterson.There was such a good mix at the station.My childhood was spent there.My sister and I loved the station.I remember Our Dad saying Tom you are to good to be here.You need to go to a larger station.It was a great loss for WNAM but Milwaukee gained a wonderful announcer.God Bless You All. Gail Cook Appleton,Wi.
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