Christopher S. Collins

1967 - 2022

Christopher S. Collins

Turners Falls, MA — Christopher S. Collins, 54, of Fairway Ave died Sunday 2/13/22 at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born in Greenfield on December 18, 1967, the son of Ralph R. and M. Patricia (Flanagan) Collins. Chris attended local schools and was a graduate of Eaglebrook School and Greenfield High School Class of 1986. Chris continued his education, graduating from Greenfield Community College in 1988 and obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Emerson College in 1991.

Chris, like his parents, was actively involved in the Greenfield community. He will best be remembered as a popular radio personality and a hardworking, nose to the grindstone, fixture in the local news media for close to four decades. At the time of his passing, he was the General Manager of Frontier Community Access Television (FCAT). Previously, Chris served as News Director for Greenfield Community Television (GCTV), the News Director at the WHAI and Bear Country radio stations for many years and former Program Director at WHMP. He was a popular and well-known writer for the Greenfield Recorder well known for penning the "In the Arena" column for years until 2020. He also served on the Board of Directors for GCTV for some time. Chris was the host of a popular local access cable television program known as Political Potpourri and was also a major contributor and editor to the website Franklin County Now for the last couple of years. Throughout his long and successful career, Chris was a voice for the voiceless, a believer in the importance of reporting the story fairly and accurately while always respecting other people's viewpoints and using his platform as a way to make a difference in his community. He was occasionally known for stirring the pot and not everyone agreed with him, but he never shied away from controversial issues or difficult topics if it was in the public's interest to know about them. He also served as Montague's Town Moderator for the past two years.

Chris was an avid New England sports fan and could often be found on athletic fields, in hockey rinks and in gymnasiums throughout the Pioneer Valley as a local broadcaster and fan. An athlete himself in his younger years, he was a proud alumnus of the Franklin County Hockey Association where he began his career as a goalie which he continued until his graduation from Greenfield High School. He also played soccer in local leagues and at Greenfield Community College during his time there. Sports has always been a big part of his life and, in recent years, he was never happier than when he was covering local sports, especially in his time at FCAT.

Chris was a true family and community man who was always checking in on everyone and being there whenever he was needed. He had the biggest heart and if you knew him you felt it. When not working, Chris loved spending time with family and his "Dood" Barb and beloved dog Jack. Jack went everywhere with Chris even to work where he helped interview many famous people and was widely photographed with his "Daddy". Chris especially loved his time at the ocean in Ogunquit and Cape Elizabeth Maine vacationing with Barbara and spending time in Newburyport MA with his sister. He loved swimming in the ocean and enjoying his favorite food which was fresh lobster. Chris was also an avid foodie and cook. His culinary creations delighted his family and friends, especially his famous Chex Mix and his mom's recipe for baked beans. His disdain for brown bread is legendary to his Facebook friends.

Chris met the love of his life, Barb, at the age of fifteen. They were married on September 21, 2002, and they enjoyed 19 happy years together as a married couple. They were soulmates from the time they sat next to each other in high school science class and their love is legendary to all who know them.

Besides his beloved wife, Barbara, Chris leaves four siblings, Carol Jacobs and her husband Christian of Turners Falls, Michael J. Collins and his wife Tracey of Hull, MA, Patrick T. Collins and his wife Jane of Greenfield and Kathleen Mullen and her husband David of Stamford, CT; his father and mother in law, Fredric and Joyce Bowman of Turners Falls; a brother in law, William Bowman of Turners Falls; eight nieces and nephews, Matthew Jacobs, Andrew Jacobs and his wife Emily, Brenden Jacobs, Michael Collins and his wife Amanda, Ryan Collins, Katelyn Klacik and her husband Andrew, Brian Mullen and Sean Mullen. Chris also leaves his beloved shih tzu, Jack.

The family would like to thank the staff at Baystate Medical Center, his employers, and his many friends and colleagues who have shared their stories and testimonials about how Chris has touched their lives. We are simply overwhelmed but so grateful to know he was so well respected, appreciated and loved by the community that he cared for so much about and served so loyally and proudly throughout his life.

***Due to the pending storm Calling hours have been rescheduled to Friday March 4, 2022, 4pm-7pm at Kostanski Funeral Home 220 Federal St. Greenfield, MA 01301.***


A celebration of life will be held at a date and time to be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Chris Collins Memorial Fund Co: Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 - Contributions will be used to fund a scholarship in Chris' name to support continuing education in the field of media and communication and community involvement.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.