William Francis "Bill" Collins passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, in Long Beach, New York, at the age of 96. Born on May 7, 1929, in New York City, Bill lived a long and full life marked by devotion to family, service to his country, and a deep love for sports and community.

Bill was the beloved son of Frank and Madeline Collins and grew up in Forest Hills, New York—a place he held dear throughout his life. After serving in the Korean War as a member of the United States Air Force, he returned to Forest Hills to begin raising his family. His early years were shaped by a strong educational foundation; he attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs grammar school before continuing on to Chaminade High School. He later graduated from Fordham University.

A gifted athlete from a young age, Bill played both baseball and basketball during his high school and college years. His passion for sports extended well beyond his own playing days—he went on to coach CYO basketball in Garden City, sharing his love of the game with younger generations. A lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Bill followed baseball with enthusiasm and dedication.

Bill also found joy in beach volleyball at the Ocean Club in Atlantic Beach—formerly known as the Forest Hills Surf Club—where he spent many happy hours enjoying the sun and sand with friends and family. Known for his sharp intellect and wide-ranging interests, Bill was a man who engaged deeply with life and generously shared his passions with those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Madeline Collins; his brother Robert; his wife Joan; and their son Russell.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his children Ellen Marie, Paul, and Cindy; grandchildren Paul Jr., Christopher, Kyle, Jessica, Patricia, Marla, and Deaglan; and great-grandchildren Marcellus, Kieran, William, and Leila. His legacy lives on through them and through all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral service will be held in Forest Hills, NY.

May William Francis Collins’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting tribute to a life well lived. A Funeral Mass will be held on December 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs  110-06 Queens Blvd 

In lieu of flowers the family requests to have donations made to:

https://donate.maryknoll.org/EFT/custom/MaryknollFB/BlockCodeMulti2/Donation1.cfm?d2org=MaryknollFB&d2tool=Donation

https://help.dav.org/page/52572/donate/1?locale=en-US