Robert D. Collins

Robert D. Collins, 88, a longtime New York Mills resident, passed away on October 9, 2025, at the Presbyterian Home, New Hartford, NY. Robert was born in Utica on July 31, 1937, the son of Benjamin and Margaret (Budgiss) Collins. He was a 1956 graduate of Proctor High School and served in the United States Army in Korea, where he earned the sharpshooter commendation and Good Conduct Medal. He retired from F.X. Matt Brewing Company after 39 years of service, during which he was an active member and officer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. On February 8, 1964, Robert married June (Olejarczyk) in Holy Trinity Church; a loving union shared for over 57 years until her death on January 9, 2022. He was most recently a member of Sacred Heart-St. Mary's Church, and was previously a long-time member and usher at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, both in New York Mills, as well as St. George's Church in Utica. Robert is survived by his three children, Daniel Collins (Deborah), Virginia, Tricia Collins Fey (Robert), South Carolina, Christine Tovey (Thomas), Maryland; grandchildren, Bryce and Sierra Fey; Delilah and Benjamin Collins, and a niece, Amy Elinskas. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St. Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, 201 Main St., New York Mills, on November 15, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by inurnment at St. George's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Robert's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org); envelopes will be available at the Mass. Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 284 Main St., New York Mills. Messages of sympathy may be made online at www.kowalczykfuneralhomes.com