William Michael Collins

William Michael “Mike” Collins, 85, of Lee, MA, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Lee Healthcare early Sunday morning, February 19th, after a long illness.

Michael was born in Housatonic, MA, on January 16, 1938, to James F. Collins and Alice M. (Toupence) Collins. He attended Saint Mary’s School in Lee, Saint Joseph’s High School in Pittsfield, and graduated from Lee High School in 1955. Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1956, serving with American land forces in the Middle East on a tank platoon based in Lebanon. He was honorably discharged in 1959 as a Corporal E-4.

Michael returned to Lee and began his over 40 year career at Mead Specialty Paper Division in South Lee, at the Laurel Mill as a fourth hand on paper machine #3 and retired as a mechanic in January 2000.

He met the love of his life, Jean Ann Naventi, while she was babysitting his little brother’s childhood friend. Michael forever stepped into Jean’s heart the first time he stepped onto that porch to bring Paul home. They were married October 31, 1959, and together they built a home on their beautiful hilltop for their three daughters, Kelly, Kerry and Katy and where friends and family were always welcomed.

Clever, committed, and capable, Michael was a planner determined to provide for his family. He was a devoted husband; loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather; dedicated brother and uncle; and loyal friend. He was generous with his time, talent and tools and was forever proud of his Irish heritage and service to his country as a Marine. He never left home without Lifesavers in his pocket. If you knew him, you knew to never call him William or Bill— he wouldn’t answer. He will remembered always as Michael, Daddy, PaPa, Uncle Mike and Chief.

Michael is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Collins; his daughters Kelly Cummings (Brian), Kerry Burke (Raymond), and Katherine Murray (John); his granddaughters Maura Jean Stanton (William) and Alison Helen Murray (Madeline); his great grandsons Jasper Michael Stanton and Miles James Stanton; his brothers James F. Collins, Jr. (Ann Marie) and Paul R. Collins (Denise) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father James F. Collins, Sr. and mother Alice M. (Toupence) Collins.

The family is very grateful to the staff of Lee Healthcare and Hospice Care of the Berkshires for the care and comfort Michael received.

The family will receive visitors at Kelly Funeral Home Tuesday, February 28th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM followed with a  graveside service at St Mary’s Cemetery at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory to the Lee Food Pantry c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA, 01238 would be appreciated.