Dr. Daniel J. Collins, Jr., 84, of Plaistow, N.H., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Mary (Beisler) Collins.
Born in Haverhill on Dec. 6, 1933, he was the son of the late Daniel and Helen (O’Leary) Collins. He was a graduate of Phillips Academy Andover, Harvard University and Columbia University Medical School. Collins honorably served his country in the United States Army as a surgeon and was awarded the bronze star while serving in the Vietnam War. Having been a lifelong resident of Haverhill, Collins was a dedicated surgeon with Haverhill’s Hale Hospital his entire medical career. Additionally, he practiced at other area hospitals.
He loved golf and his friends at the Haverhill Country Club, building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, eating lobsters and bodysurfing with his children and grandchildren at Hampton Beach, and his bit of heaven was windsurfing in the Cayman Islands.
Collins is survived by his loving children, Cathy Craven and husband Barry of Reading, Dan Collins III, and wife Pat of Annapolis, Md., Betsy Larratt and husband Anthony of Dade City, Fla., Mike Collins and wife Deb of Portland, Maine, and Tim Collins of Plaistow, N.H. He will also be remembered by five grandchildren, Brian, Molly, and Kevin Craven, Grace and Peter Collins, sister, Mary Ellen Klots and husband Eph of Oak Ridge, Tenn., a niece, nephews, and many dear friends including his dedicated caregivers, most especially Lana Haynes. He was predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 48 years Mary M. (Beisler) Collins. Surrounded by animal lovers, Collins also leaves behind two grand-cats, three great-grand-cats, seven grand-dogs, two grand-horses and one grand-donkey.
He will be dearly missed by all, especially those who received treats from the table (Laddie and Teddy).
Calling hours will be held Sunday, August 12 from 4-6 p.m. at The Grondin-Carnevale Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhil. A funeral mass will be held Monday at noon from Sacred Hearts Parish, 65 South Main St., Haverhill. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at www.curealz.org, or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org.