Jeremiah J. Collins (Da), 90, of Abington Massachusetts, formerly of South Boston and Dorchester, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Beth Israel Hospital following his courageous battle with multiple illnesses. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born in South Boston in 1933, he was the fourth son of Cornelius and Margaret (Mahoney) both from County Cork, Ireland.
Jerry graduated from South Boston High School and served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Purdy during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the US Postal Service in Uphams Corner, Dorchester and South Weymouth for 42 years, during which he obtained his Associate Degree in finance at Newbury College.
He was a member of the American Legion Post in Abington and bowled in the post office bowling league at Timber Lanes in Abington for many years.
Jerry loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone who met him would be considered a friend. His smile and easy personality made you feel like you were the most important person in his life.
Jeremiah was the loving and devoted husband of Irene (Mackie) Collins for 68 years.
He leaves behind his 6 children, Joanne & her husband Michael Griffin of Abington, Stephen & his wife Joanie of W. Yarmouth, Tom & his wife Debi of E. Bridgewater, Jerry & his wife Annie of Bridgewater, Jack of Smithfield, RI and Beth & Tim Flaherty of Rockland. He was also the proud grandfather of 20 grandchildren; Dawn Griffin, Lisa Doucet, Christine Collins, Jami Gray, Stephen Collins Jr, T.J. Collins, Kristen Deligolia, Matt Collins, Danny Collins, Brendan Collins, Connor Collins, Brooke Collins, Katie Collins, Mary Flaherty, Liam Flaherty, Maggie Flaherty & Colin Flaherty & the deceased Ann & Jodi Griffin & Jerry Collins. He is also the proud great grandfather of his 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry is predeceased by his 4 brothers, Fran, Bud, Tom and Eddie Collins.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday, June 22, at 9:45 am from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman, followed by a funeral Mass in the St. Bridget Church, in Abington at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery immediately following the mass. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, June 21, from 4-8 pm at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to Shriners Children’s Hospital Boston, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114.