Joseph M. Collins devoted husband, father and grandfather died peacefully surrounded by family Saturday July 7, 2018 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ. He was 87. Joseph was born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School where he enjoyed playing sports. Joseph served in the Korean War with the 1st Marine Division from May 1952 until May 1953. He was honorably discharged and a recipient of The Purple Heart.
Joe lived in Metuchen for 33 years before moving to the home he loved at the Jersey Shore in Belmar. He was a member of IBEW Local 456 all his life, serving as an officer in various aspects, both as an executive board member and assistant business agent as well as other committees of the union.
Joe enjoyed sports, especially football, Notre Dame and the New York Giants being his favorites. He meticulously crafted model planes as well as sailing ships and enjoyed showing them to family and friends. By far his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He had an especially close relationship with his three grandchildren where he was ever present and so very proud of.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph M. and Ann (Murphy) Collins at a very young age. He and his two sisters were raised by his aunt and uncle, Margaret and Tim Gibbons. He was also predeceased by his son Christopher Collins in 1989 and a sister Anne (Collins) Morrison. Surviving are his beloved wife Ann (Dolci) Collins, two daughters, Kathleen Collins, Patricia (Collins) Messner and her husband Mark. A sister, Mary (Collins) Shine and her husband Robert, three grandchildren; Joseph Christopher Messner, Matthew Ryan Messner, Carlie Ann Messner and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
Visiting will be Thursday from 4-8 pm at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall, NJ. Funeral Mass will be Friday, 10 am at St. Rose Church in Belmar. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway, NJ. For more information or to send condolences please visit WWW.Obrienfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.