Thomas Francis Xavier Collins Ph.D.

10/10/1938 - 03/02/2026

Thomas "Tom" Francis Xavier Collins, Ph.D., was born a fourth-generation Washingtonian on October 10, 1938. He was the son of a prominent D.C. physician of the same name and Nellie Salley Collins, a nurse at D.C. General Hospital. Tom grew up in D.C. with his three siblings (Margaret, Mary, and Pat) and attended Campus Elementary School, St. John's College High School, and The Catholic University of America, where he earned a Ph.D. in biology in 1966.
After graduating from Catholic University, Tom accepted a position at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where he worked in many aspects of food safety. His final role was Chief of the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology and Immunotoxicology Branch. In this role, he oversaw FDA research on the effects of drugs, food additives, and contaminants on reproductive health. Over the course of a distinguished 42-year career, Tom played a prominent role in U.S. advancement of food and product safety, earning numerous accolades, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards.
While studying at Catholic University, Tom met and fell in love with fellow biology student Elaine Valliere. The two were married in 1967 and were the truest type of life partners – living and working side by side. Until his passing on Monday, March 2, 2026, Tom lived with Elaine and their brown tabby cat, Pistachio, in Chevy Chase, MD, where he enjoyed classical music, his clock collection, church activities, visiting with neighbors, and political engagement. He was a long-term member of Chevy Chase at Home, part of the village movement. He is survived by his beloved wife Elaine; his sister, Margaret; his brother, Pat; and a large extended family across the DMV.
Arrangements by PUMPHREY'S BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE FUNERAL HOME, Bethesda, MD. Friends will be received at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 7500 Pearl St, Bethesda, MD on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9 AM to 10 AM; Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD. Please view and sign family guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com