Obituaries » ROBERT T. COLLINS JR.
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Show Obituaries Map Show Guestbook Show Photos QR Code PrintBurial Date May 12, 2015
Funeral Home Miles Funeral Home
Place of Service St. George's Church
Section Garden of Serenity Lot Number: 44Grave Number: A#3
Robert T. Collins, Jr., 52, of Worcester, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Bob was born and raised in Worcester and lived there all his life.
Bob leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Laurie (Casey) Collins; his two sons, Michael T. Collins of Chicago and Timothy R. Collins of Worcester; his daughter, Kirsten E. Collins of Worcester; two stepsons, Justin T. and Bryan M. Langhill both of Worcester; his father, Robert T. Collins of Holden; four sisters, Kathleen Hardy of North Falmouth, Susan Taylor of Worcester, Patricia Hammond of Leicester and Ann Marie Neale of Worcester; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Shirley (Barry) Collins.
Bob graduated Burncoat Senior High School in 1981 and Worcester Industrial Technical Institute. He was a sales manager at Herman Schmidt Company in South Windsor, CT where he worked the last ten years. Previously, Bob worked over twenty years at O.S. Walker Company in Worcester. He was a member of St. George Church in Worcester.
Bob was a lifelong hockey fan, player and official; growing up playing youth in Worcester and was Captain of his high school hockey team. After his playing days he entered the officiating profession, quickly rising through the ranks of youth, high school and ultimately the collegiate level. He was an active leader with the Central Mass Hockey Officials Association, with roles as President and currently Vice President. The list of accomplishments over a thirty-three year officiating career is nothing short of impressive at the highest levels. Multiple NEPSAC Boys Prep-School Championships, multiple Central Mass High School Division 2, 3 and 3A Championships, as well as multiple Mass State High School Championships. At the collegiate level, multiple ECAC East and NESCAC Championships, Frozen Fenway and the Whale Bowl in Hartford, the ACHA National Championship and the NCAA National Tournament in 2008, 2012, and 2015, including two D3 Frozen Four appearances.
Bob was also the acting Central Mass Assignor for High School and Prep. schools. Respected by all, the most impressive accomplishment, and the one he was most proud of himself, was his passion to promote and provide opportunities for countless young officials. Bob worked tirelessly behind the scenes to proactively find opportunities to promote Central Mass Officials up through the same ranks he enjoyed.
He acted as mentor, teacher, assignor, reference giver and all around advocate and always held his fellow officials to the highest personal standard, never losing sight that they were there for the safety, development, and to provide a fair and fun hockey experience for countless young men and women. Bob took pride in watching the officials he helped grow through the ranks to collegiate careers themselves, and always felt at home when lacing up with his friends.
Bob grew up playing baseball in the Joe Schwartz Little League and as an adult, coached in that same league for many years and went on to be the league president.
Bob was most happy spending time with his wife, Laurie and their extended circle of friends with whom he considered family. He always looked forward to personal gatherings and spending time with those he cherished including his two labs, Cocoa and Chloe.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, at St. George Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester, followed by interment at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.