Collins, John Thomas

John Thomas Collins, age 78, of Richardson died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 5, 2020. John showed tremendous perseverance and tenacity in the face of extended respiratory challenges in recent years. Those who know him best remember his feisty and garrulous personality, love of Colorado hiking, Florida beach sunsets, and golfing and drinks with his crew on the 19th green. John was born in New York and attended Mt. St. Michael Academy and Iona College. He was a self-made man who helped support his mother and younger sisters as a teenager and young adult, putting off a college football opportunity to do so. He was competitive in so many areas: his own sales and business career, tennis, golf, and, of course, winning on the field of differing opinions at the dinner table or a cocktail party. His family knows him as a dedicated father of three and grandfather to seven, as well as a loyal and protective older brother to two younger sisters. He approached life boldly and with vigor. Who can forget his love of 70s music and getting down on the dance floor. John always had a story to tell. Granted, he usually had a starring role or the best punch line, the better to showcase his larger than life personality. He was a wonderful instructor and supervisor of many areas of manual labor, along with lessons in giving your best effort to any task, no matter how small. He instilled a strong work ethic in all of his children, one of his foremost legacies to his family. Most have a “favorite” task or two he taught them. John met his beloved wife Marion at age 13. Their life together took them from New York to Chicago to Richardson. They just missed celebrating their 57th anniversary on June 15. John was an enthusiastic naturalized Texan and “honorary” Aggie. He figured he deserved that designation by virtue of tuition payments! John founded Mid America Marketing, which allowed him to travel, indulge his love of German automobiles, Mavericks season tickets, and property development in the Rockies and Mexico. John was preceded in death by his parents James Collins and Mary Stanzione, his beloved aunt Anna Smith, and his sister Eileen Kerins. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Marion; daughter Cathleen Falke and her husband Scott; daughter Lisa Tidwell and her husband Mark; son John; grandchildren Kyle, Caitlin, and John Falke; Parker and Griffin Collins; Sarah and Katherine Tidwell; and his sister Joan Brinkman. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Richardson, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Church, 720 S. Floyd Rd, Richardson, Texas 75080 or to a charity of your choice. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.  

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

(214) 306-6700