William David Collins (Bill) passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Consolation Nursing Home in West Islip, NY on March 26, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 84. Bill was born on June 8, 1937 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, to parents William and Clarice Collins. Bill spent his childhood years in Chelsea, MA before enlisting in the United States Air Force in August of 1954. He was stationed at Mitchel Air Force Base (Mitchel Field) in Hempstead, NY. On the evening of December 10, 1955, an 18 year-old Bill and several friends wandered off the Base, out of uniform, and came upon the local Irish-American Hall. Being rejected at the door, they continued their journey until they spotted the Polish Hall and decided to try their luck. After some scrutiny, the young gentlemen were allowed to enter and attended a dance that was taking place inside. Bill did not know it at the time, but being turned away at the Irish-American Hall, and then admitted at the Polish Hall, would kindle a relationship that would define the rest of his life. Fate perhaps. Inside the Polish Hall, Bill asked a local girl from Albertson, NY if she would like to dance. Her name was Helen Krawiec. She had just turned 18. Dance they did. For 64 years. (Thanks for saying yes, Mom. You picked the best Dad ever!) Two years later, on August 11, 1957, they were married at the Church of Saint Aidan in Williston Park, NY. Helen and Bill moved to Bay Shore, NY where they raised their daughter Jill, and two sons Craig and Scott. It was a loving marriage - storybook perhaps - where trust, dedication, and devotion were always on display to the very end.

Bill loved sports, and in his early years he was an active participant at the Bay Shore- Brightwaters Little League - coaching his son’s teams, umpiring, helping in any way possible. Bill’s favorite sport was basketball (he was lights-out from the free-throw line), and coached his son’s teams for the St. Patrick’s CYO Basketball travel team. In his later years, after the kids were grown, Bill could be found at various golf courses and driving ranges always trying to hone his golf game. But most of all, Bill was a family man, most comfortable around the ones he loved. Sometimes the simplest gesture – a simple nod, a hint of a smile, a glint in his eye – showed you more love than words can express. He is survived by his wife Helen; children Jill Gallagher (Brian), Craig Collins, and Scott Collins (Karen); grandchildren Kurt Gallagher (Ciarra), Paul Gallagher (Kristen), and Daniel Collins; nieces Charlene Papke and Carianne Yantz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter in his memory.

Alzheimer's Association ATTN: Long Island Chapter 300 Broadhollow Rd., Suite LL100 Melville, NY 11747