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Michael Collins Obituary

In Loving Memory of D. Michael Collins,

6/30/1944 - 2/6/2015

As a devoted Husband and Father, D. Michael Collins was surrounded by love and God's grace in his passing on February 6, 2015.

D. Michael Collins considered it a great honor and privilege to serve as Mayor of the City of Toledo as he took the oath of office on January 2, 2014. The City's motto: Laborare Est Orare ~ "To work is to pray" truly reflects Mike's life. He followed the calling to invest his gifts, time and talents in the service of others over the course of a career in public service for the City he dearly loved.

As a police officer, Mike protected and served the citizens of Toledo for 27 years, retiring in 1999. He was elected as the District 2 Toledo City Councilman in 2007 and re-elected to a second term which began in 2012. As a politically Independent public servant, Mike was committed to public safety, economic development, and transparency in government.

Mike grew up in the old South End and was a life-long Toledoan. After graduating from Libbey High School, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps; achieved the rank of Corporal and embodied the motto Sempre Fidelas. A proud alumnus of The University of Toledo, Mike earned a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching Criminal Justice courses at his alma mater and directed the Ohio Police Corps, an Ohio police academy funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Steadfast in devotion to his Catholic faith and to his family, Mike was a member of Gesu. Mike was a loving father to three daughters, Tamara, Laurie, Kelly, and was preceded in death by beloved son, Michael. His eight grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy. To them Grandpa was an inspiration and an amazing role model. "Collins Cares" will be their legacy.

He leaves his beloved wife, Sandra A Drabik, whose faithful love, support and encouragement Mike credited as instrumental in the fulfillment of his life's calling; daughters, Tamara (Duane) Dickey, Laurie (Tim) Mulligan, and Kelly (Scott) Sheridan; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ryan and Sara Dickey, Lillie and Kathryn Mulligan, Murphy and Wyatt Sheridan; daughter-in-law, Jamie Collins and grandson, Michael Evan Collins. He is also survived by his sister Mary Pat (Greg) Hobbs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael J. and Gertrude (Helmer) Collins and son, Michael.

There will be no visitation at the Coyle Funeral Home.

Public services for Mayor D. Michael Collins will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11 at Savage Hall, on the campus of the University of Toledo, with the memorial ceremony beginning at 7. The funeral procession will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 12 at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. The funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m. at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, with Bishop Daniel Thomas presiding. Private burial services will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of choice.

Please leave a special memory or condolence message for his family at:

CoyleFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Feb. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Collins

Not sure what to say?





Clark Felgner

May 13, 2019

Even with your passing, I still can feel advice from beyond as you did for me so many times throughout my life. To be recognized as someone's adopted father is the ultimate in tribute and respect! Peace to you Your Honor!

Susan Bannister

February 20, 2015

To the family of D. Michael Collins...you have been in my prayers since the accident and will remain so...he was a wonderful Mayor and councilman! He will be missed by me!

Judy Mccloskey-Reynolds

February 15, 2015

To Tammy, Laurie and Kelly I know your Mom and Uncle Bob growing up across the street on Pageland. And all of you as babies and young children growing up. My heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you and God bless. I will keep you in my prayers.

February 14, 2015

Thank you collins family for sharing your loving husband, father, and grandfather with the people of Toledo.

Jan Hicks

February 13, 2015

Sending my condolences to the Mayor's Family. We have lost not just one of the most loved but one of the best Mayors in Toledo. It still seems so unreal. Mayor may you RIH and you are/will be missed forever. Gone but never forgotten :( :(

pam blythe

February 12, 2015

sorry for your loss. he was a wonderful mayor,God bless you

Dar Childs

February 12, 2015

Semper FI. Mayor I know you had Toledo in your heart and I know you'd of went down in history as one if not the best Mayor the City ever had. You were a compassionate yet caring person who served our country, community and city with the upmost of dignity and honor. You will be missed by many. Thank you Marine, Mayor and dedicated servant.

simone

February 12, 2015

D michael collins family so sorry for your loss you may have lost a dear love one but just know he will be with our heaven ly farther resting in his care, he was a great leader he will be missed you will be in my prayers .

Lucien Harris

February 12, 2015

God Bless Mayor Collins. Sincerest condolences to the family. Rest in peace.

Lucien Harris

Therese Lynn

February 12, 2015

My name is Therese Lynn, I'm a member of Western Avenue Ministries/Mosaic Ministries in the Old South End, and I remember when Mayor Collins came to our church for a community meeting n November of 2014. He may not have been able to solve all of the problems of everyone at the meeting, but he did stay as long as it took to talk to each and every individual that had a question, and took their name and promised to look into what could be done. My condolences and prayers go out to the family at this time of sorrow on my and our churches behalf.

Suzanne McLaughlin

February 12, 2015

Thank you for being such a great guidance for the city of Toledo Ohio. My prayers out to his family. Time will heal but remember he is always with you. Look at the stars the twinkle of the star and moon is him letting you know he is watching over you. He is at peace now a long deserve rest

bonnie jividen

February 12, 2015

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Helen Lohmeyer

February 12, 2015

Thank u mayor Collins for everything that you've done for our city and we will truly miss you and u will always be in our hearts and in our prayers ,and for your family as well ,god bless u all .

Patricia Beaty

February 12, 2015

Thank Mayor for all you do.You will deeply missed.R.I.P. You will be always in our hearts and thoughts

Helen Montalto

February 12, 2015

Deepest condolences to the family of Mike Collins, thoughts and prayers are with the family... The Montalto Family..

Susan Bannister

February 11, 2015

I will never forget your kindness to our senior building, when it was needed! You were a very kind, honest, outstanding Mayor....will miss you! Prayers for your family.

debra josephson

February 11, 2015

Thank you for your service to our city our prayers are with your family

Carmela Roth

February 11, 2015

Thank Mayor for all your been to the City of Toledo. R.I.P.

Cheryl Zolciak

February 11, 2015

So sorry for your loss !! My prayers are with all of you !!! God Bless & R.I.P. Mayor Michael Collins

Iman Clay

February 11, 2015

I am very sorry for your lost Mayor Collins was such a good person.

James Van Buren

February 11, 2015

Thank you Sir, for everything you did as our mayor.

Tom and Judy Carr

February 11, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers to the family, and all of Toledo for your great loss.

Patrick Ryan

February 11, 2015

To the family of Mayor D. Michael Collins:

We were all startled and sadden by Mayor Collins untimely passing. On behalf of the George J. Ryan Sr. family, please accept our family's deepest condolences. Mayor Collins and George both served on the Toledo Police Department.

I know Mayor Collins will be missed by all who knew and worked with him.
With deepest sympathy for your loss--
Patrick J. Ryan

brenda jackson

February 11, 2015

may god keep you safe block watch leader Brenda jean Jackson you will never be forgotten

Jan Hicks

February 10, 2015

I would like to send prayer and my condolences to the family. Mayor Michael Collins will truly be missed. May he RIH.

S.J. Schneider

February 10, 2015

Although I didn't personally know Mayor Collins, I respected him as a good man and a good mayor. He will be greatly missed. My condolences and promise of continued prayers for him and for his family.

Roger Volk

February 10, 2015

It is with sadness and regret that I learn of Michael Collins' passing; I'm sorry to say too that we never met; Semper Fi Michael Collins ! May Gods grace and compassion be with the family in this time of sorrow.

Connie Durand

February 10, 2015

I SURE WILL MISS YOU AN OUR TALKS when you got your hair cut . I will pray for you family know they lost a great. Husband an father prays with them Connie Durand

Roman Wysowaty

February 10, 2015

May he find comfort in the arms of Angels...

February 10, 2015

to the collinns family; SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR LOVED ONE.he will be greatly missed. all his valuable services will not be forgotten, may you find comfort and strength at this time and in the days to come.

Walker

February 10, 2015

God Bless the Collins family! May you allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you at this time.

kellie barrell

February 10, 2015

R.I.H MAYOR COLLINS??

Dianne Koop

February 10, 2015

When my husband and I decided to relocate from Toledo to Cincinnati, we left with good feelings knowing Toledo was in the capable, caring hands of Mayor Collins. We believe he will continue to look upon your precious city and family. You have our prayers. . .

Lee Fisher

February 10, 2015

My deepest condolences to the family of Mayor Collins and the citizens of Toledo. Mayor Collins was not only an excellent mayor; he was a great man. Humble, authentic, and dedicated to public service, he devoted his life to the people of the great city of Toledo. He will be missed by all of us who had the privilege to know and work with him.
Lee Fisher
President/CEO,CEOs for Cities
Former Lt. Governor of Ohio

February 10, 2015

We are sorry for your loss may Gods peace be with your family. Terry Brown family Toledo

jodie Saltzman

February 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time .

Bob Morrissey

February 9, 2015

Michael Collins - Good Man, Good Policeman. Good Leader and Good Friend.
Bob Morrissey

February 9, 2015

I will miss all your visits to Kroger and all the times we talked. My sympathy to your family. Such a great man. God bless your family. Life is so precious. He will never be forgetten.My prayers are with you Sandy.
DOROTHY S.

February 9, 2015

Mike was a fellow officer,fellow very good friend, He will be sadly missed by the Toledo residents. Rest in peace Mike. Roger & Charlene Reese

Wendy Ludwick

February 9, 2015

To Tammy, Laurie, and Kelly. I remember all the fun times we had as kids, playing at your grandmas house on Pageland. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

February 9, 2015

Grace and peace to the family of Mr. Collins.

Amy Wexler

February 9, 2015

RIP, Mr. Mayor. You were a very good man. I hope we are ALL inspired by you to always do our best for our city. You will be terribly missed. Say hi to my dad for me!

February 9, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family at this most difficult time.

James & Michelle Hunsinger

February 9, 2015

May God hold you close in the palm of his hand. Our Deepest Sympathy. Prayers for the whole Family.
Love The Hunsinger Family

The Roebke Family

February 9, 2015

May his memory be eternal...

Allison Roebke

February 9, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mike's family during this difficult time. Please know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike was a fine man with a great sense of humor who always made me smile. I had the pleasure to work with him at the University of Toledo, and his door was always open to me. We had many great conversations about law, social justice, military, heritage, family, travel, etc. I looked up to Mike's life experience, as he was very knowledgeable with regards to many diverse topics.

I will always remember Mike as "a man on a mission," as I knew him before he was elected to City Counsel. Retirement was only the beginning for him, and he accomplished more during this phase of his life than most will ever accomplish in an entire lifetime. He was not content unless he was orchestrating change and engaging in constructive opportunities to further his passions.

This is why I respected Mike, and his legacy is one to look up to as it proves that one should never give up on his or her dreams, even in the wake of adversity and defeat. His perseverance and affinity for public service is an example for us all, regardless of age.

Mike passed on doing what he loved best...serving the community and the city of Toledo. His legacy is one of true civil servitude and integrity, as Mike always defended the things that were most dear to him. Even as mayor, he always responded to his emails personally, and that proves dedication and empathy for the people that he was elected to serve.

Mike, you will be missed; however, your memory is eternal. God bless you.

"Courage consists not in hazarding without fear; but being resolutely minded in a just cause." Plutarch

Angie Yane

February 8, 2015

To the family of Mr. Collins, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that Mike was standing with open arms & greated your dad as he arrived in Heaven. My brother(Brandon Yanez) was Mike's Best Friend & we lost him last year. It not easy, but knowing he had his Best friends & family with him helped me. I know my brother was standing next to Mike & also greated your, husband, dad & Grandpa. Mr. Collins was an AMAZING MAN & had WONDERFUL MORALS. I was PROUD to say I knew him. He made a HUGE impact on our city in such a short time & he will be remembered for that. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this time, Saul Yanez, Carolyn Yanez, Angie Yanez & Marcos Saul Dominguez III (St. Francis class of '16.).

Kitty Austin

February 8, 2015

I am saddened by the loss of mayor Collins-he had so many plans to do great things for Toledo. My prayers go out to his wife and family

The Worman Family

February 8, 2015

Hugs and peace to the Collins
Family.

Wanda Jones

February 8, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Collins family. He was strong in his faith and we will join him one day. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers

Janice Dombrowski

February 8, 2015

My sincere sympathy to the Collins family. Mayor Collins was one of the best mayors Toledo ever had. He was a great leader and will be truly missed.

Judy Gable

February 8, 2015

Mike was one of the great guys.....not often you could reach a Toledo Mayor at his home..he was there for everyone.....my husbasnd David Gable spoke highly of him always

richard jamra

February 8, 2015

Rest in peace and thank you for your service. And prayers out to the family

Elaine Brown

February 8, 2015

This city is going to be lost without you You were a friend to all you met and such a special soul . My deepest sympathies to Sandy and your daughters and Chloe who must be lost and waiting by the door. We all know that pain of your loss Mike, we just can't believe you're really gone. This is going to take some time, you are unforgettable. Please God bring comfort to the family and to a city without it's leader. We loved this great man.

Jeri Barker

February 8, 2015

To the family I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray God will give you comfort and peace in this time of sadness.

Cynthia Pohorecki

February 8, 2015

To the family of Mayor Collins I express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I voted for Mayor Collins because I believed him to be a man who truly loved the city he grew up in. With Mayor Collins it was about the people of this great city-not to further his political career. I live in the west end of Toledo and was excited to have our police station reopened. Just the presence of the TPD does a lot for all the neighborhoods. He truly fought for the citizens of Toledo. He will be missed by the community.

Mike Childers

February 8, 2015

Mike was tough without being abrasive, smart w/o condescension, when we were in a room together whenever he spoke, I listened. He always knew what he was talking about. During our "job action " in 1979, Mike gave us all a lot of confidence and I was always glad we " struck " up a friendship during this period. I just know he and John Brancheau are watching over the TPD & TFD . They were two of our best.

crystal kruzel

February 8, 2015

Prayers to the family. So sad for your loss as Well as Toledo's.

Mary M. Wagner-Robinson

February 8, 2015

Condolences from neighbors and friends in the W. Toledo community of Blessed Sacrament Church. It was an honor and priviledge to drive him in the Harvest/halloween parade Oct.2013. A lot of fun, fond memories!

Barb Rardin

February 8, 2015

Our Condolences go out the Sandy and the rest of the family at the loss of a wonderful man. I grew up in Toledo but moved out of the city and even though we are not far from the city he truly was a well respected man. May God provide comfort at this time knowing he is a better place.

Roxy Murray

February 8, 2015

May Mike rest with God he was the first Mayor I liked he will always be remembered Mrs Murray

Ray & Debi Sifuentes

February 8, 2015

Sandy & Family,
Mike was one of the Best and one of the Smartest Police Officers I ever worked with. Truly a Family Man and Friend, and dedicated to The City of Toledo. It was and Honor to call him my Friend.

February 8, 2015

Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends. We will miss him so very much... May God hold him in His hands. Pray for the city of Toledo since it doesn't have him to lead and guide us in the right direction.. Barbara

PK

February 8, 2015

my thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family he was the best mayor Toledo ever had and will be truly missed RIH D Michael Collins

Adrienne Holben

February 8, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Collins family. I respect Mayor Collins, as when he was our Councilman, I had an issue to address. Mr. Collins returned my call immediately and resolved my complaint. Thank you so much for your work for our city. You will be missed and will be remembered as one of the greats in Toledo.

Most Reverend John Lula, OSB

February 8, 2015

My Condolences go out to Sandy and the Collins Family.. We will miss the Mayor not only for his position in the city but as a Friend and a Person who cared about others. He will be missed...My Prayers and Our Masses are being offered for the Repose of the Mayor's (D. Michael Collins)Soul.

Beth Hoye

February 8, 2015

Mike was so good to our family over the last 13 months. From the very first night at the hospital on January 26, 2014 thru the anniversary memorial this past January 26th, he was there to offer support to us in any way he could. He was the best mayor Toledo has had in a long, long time. Our family will miss seeing him and talking with him. We pray that his family will seek comfort from Our Heavenly Father as they embark on this painful season of mourning.
Chris and Beth Hoye
(Sister of fallen fighter, Stephen Machcinski LODD 1/26/14)

Pat Quigley-Luby

February 8, 2015

So sorry Sandy, for the loss of your husband and best friend, my prayers go out to you and all family members in this difficult time, may God be with you, and may he RIP

Linda Ditch

February 8, 2015

To the family of D.Michael Collins,"May God hold you in the palm of his hand." Thank you for your dedication to our community. May the Collins family be comforted by our Lords love.

Peggy & Ron Tyra

February 8, 2015

Our Sympathy goes out to Mayor D. Michael Collins family he is going to be greatly missed and loved he will always be remembered by his family , friends and everyone in Toledo he was a wonderful man couldn't of asked for a better Mayor..

Fred and Natalie Johnson

February 8, 2015

Sandy and family,
Mike was blessed with great compassion, a love of his heritage, and a openly strong love for his family as well as the genuine Pride of Toledo as the Mayor. We will always cherish our lengthy
friendship. Sandy and your family, we care and ask that peace and comfort be with you.

Kelly Duby

February 8, 2015

My condolences go out to the Collins Family...Mayor Mike Collins will truely be missed by many..."May God Hold You In The Palm Of His Hand"...R.I.P. Kelly Ryan Duby

February 8, 2015

R I H Mayor Collins.

DAWN

February 8, 2015

R.I.P.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH HIS FAMILY....REST NOW...JOB WELL DONE

Liz & Mike

February 8, 2015

Sandy, we share in your loss of Mike.
We have lost a great man and very good friend.

February 7, 2015

May you rest in peace mayor mike collins !

February 7, 2015

Rih mayor collins

Kenneth Smith

February 7, 2015

So sad so sorry to hear the loss of our beloved mayor he was truly a man of faith in God and all man kind

Deloise President

February 7, 2015

Gone but never forgotten

Elizabeth

February 7, 2015

Our condolences go out to the Collins family. Mayor Collins was one of the best Mayors Toledo has ever seen. It was obvious how much he truly cared about Toledo. If every citizen in this city cared the way he did, we might just be able to fill his shoes.
HHS

February 7, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

reginald gary

February 7, 2015

To the collins family you have our deepest sympathy may god be with you during this difficult time toledo will miss him and you will be in our thoughts and prayers

Marie Collins Melancon

February 7, 2015

R.I.P. Mayor, cousin, husband, dad, grandfather, friend you will be missed. Love and prayers to your family! Marie and Melanie Collins Melancon

ceofia mack

February 7, 2015

God bless the family thu your loss . Mayor Collin was a good Mayor

February 7, 2015

So sorry He pass. I met Mayor Collin one time when i was down town he was walking and i said sir i no you from some where you are a laywer .He said no i am your Mayor and shook my hand what a man he was God bless the family thu your loss . ceofia mack

Barb

February 7, 2015

Mr. Mayor, thank you for showing us how to be a compassionate people.

February 7, 2015

Thank you for your devotion to the city of Toledo. Thank you to the Collins family for sharing him with the community.

ronald williams

February 7, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

carol a. Love

February 7, 2015

Sandy, the "Love family" sends their deepest sympathy to you and your family.Our prayers and thoughts are with you.Ernie,Barbara,Carol,Pat and Mary.

dawn green

February 7, 2015

Mayor Mike Collins is an amazing man he loved Toledo more then anybody I know.. RIP

Linda Reese

February 7, 2015

Dear Families,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear love one and one that meant so much to our community called
Toledo, OH. I am proud that people were able to come to his rescue as citizens and trying to do the right thing for another human being needing help. You have many good memories to cherish now and later as time go by. The last time that I saw him up close was his attendance at Senior Day at the Toledo Zoo in September, 2014 and I pointed him out to some that didn't know him.

steve perry

February 7, 2015

I'm a from toledo so i keep on the news downthere. Mayor Collins went through and how he handled with grace and class. R.I.P. mr. mayor.Toledo will miss your leadership very much.

Mike & Sue Keefe & Dennis

February 7, 2015

God be with you at this most difficult time. Memories are a true blessing and I'm sure you have many. He will always be with you--in thoughts and in your hearts. Our most sincere condolences to the family.

February 7, 2015

You will be missed dearly

February 7, 2015

We share the sadness of the city of Toledo and the Collins family. Joy and Jamie Farr

Lyla Gibbons

February 7, 2015

Mary, its been many years since we worked together at DiSalle, but I just wanted to send you my sympathy on the tragic loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lyla Gibbons

February 7, 2015

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family of D. Michael Collins. Toledo has lost one of the best leaders it has ever had. He was a kind man, a gentleman, one who loved the people of Toledo. He was kind, compassionate and caring, and he will be severely missed by all. Sandy & Dave Flick, Toledo.

Lawrence Biegala

February 7, 2015

He will be missed.

February 7, 2015

TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MAYOR COLLINS. WE ARE SO SADDENED BY HIS PASSING. WHAT A GREAT MAN WE HAVE ALL LOST. REST IN PEACE. BARB AND JOEL WEBER SYLVANIA, OH

Fred McSurley

February 7, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Funeral services provided by:

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1770 S Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 43614

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