1941 - 2026
Born in Ogdensburg, New York, Robert was the son of the late Charles M. Collins and Lucille L. (LaRock) Collins. He graduated from Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton and earned an associate degree from Canton College of Technology and a bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Robert was a United States Navy veteran. Following his military service, he began a career as a psychologist at the New York State Psychiatric Facility in Ogdensburg, where he worked for more than 30 years.
An avid outdoorsman, Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a member of the Stillwater Hunting Club in Clare, New York. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and took up woodcarving later in life.
In addition to his wife of 23 years, Robert is survived by his children, Rebecca Williamson and her longtime partner, Michael DeBruin, of Bedford, and Darren Collins and his wife, Deborah, of Tyngsboro; his stepchildren, Meghan Jackson of Medfield, Brendan Casey of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Donal Casey of Dover, Delaware; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Nicholas Williamson of Bedford, and his sister, Sally Hollister of Morristown, New York, and North Port, Florida.
Cremation will take place according to Robert’s wishes. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 3rd, at 11 AM at the United Church of Christ, 496 Main Street, Medfield. There are no funeral home visiting hours. Robert will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Canton, New York, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
