Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Eugene Collins Obituary
Eugene "Gene" Collins, a lifelong resident of Rockford, Illinois, died April 21, 2021. Gene had an incredible life that we are all so proud of. He served his country where he learned his love of flying. From there he went on to own and operate Collins Airway. He retired as a lieutenant from the Rockford Fire Department. During retirement, Gene continued to fly, as well as work on a cruise ship for 10 years. He was a world traveler and often brought our gently used clothing and shoes to impoverished countries he visited. Gene loved to hunt, fish and fly. He was a long time member of the Blackhawk Flying Club, the Lombardi Club and the Elks Club. He was married to Irma L. Collins for 28 years and had three children; Candace Collins, Michael Collins and Gina Kilmain (Collins) all who reside in Florida. He has three grandchildren; Ciara Loveless (Cacciapaglia), Garrett Cacciapaglia and Michael Collins II, and two great grandchildren; Giana and Kaiya Cacciapaglia. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 commencing at 1:00 PM at the Lombardi Club located at 209 Olive St., Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers please donate to St Jude.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Collins
Tony chemello
May 19, 2021
He was a friend of mine always talked about his wife who he greatly missed and proud of his family
Jenny (Baker) Risch
May 1, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my Great Uncle Gene. My dad, Earl, really loved to spend the day hunting with him. May you find peace in the memories and in knowing that one day you will be reunited.
PAUL L PIRRELLO
April 29, 2021
Spent a long time with Gene at the airport fire station years ago. We always had a good time together. We talked flying as well as many other things. My prayers for the family and friends
clyde wells
April 29, 2021
have not seen Gene and Erma for years but remember them well as we went tothe same church and I as a builder worked on their home off Springcreek Rd. and did some work at Ermas store at Henrici's they were fine people and my sympathy to the family.
John&heather rigden
April 28, 2021
We are devastated . It was a pleasure to share peanuts ,with gene at Lombardi . He would throw the shells on the floor . At first ,we were thrown off , but that was him. Down to earth , just a fun loving guy. We were hanging out one afternoon, and his watch caught my eye. I immediately bought the same watch ,while we were sitting at the table,
at the Lombardi Club.
He had text me a paragraph a couple of months ago . what he would do quite often, and probably did to many other people. He said, as much as he loved, Florida,and his daughter.
He was looking forward to shelling Cubs peanuts with us ,again.We still have the bag .
We are not family, Heather and I ,but we will miss him very very much. So , very sorry for your loss.
John Leggero Venice, Florida
April 28, 2021
Rest in Peace my Friend
Frank Anast
April 27, 2021
Gene was a great friend. I spent many a day at his house just watching TV and talking. He used to stop by Ron Corey's car lot in Loves Park where any number of us would just sit and talk. He will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Eugene Collins's name
Memorial Events
for Eugene Collins
How to support Eugene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eugene Collins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
