Somers Obituary: Harry Collins, 70

Harry J. Collins, 70, loving husband of Jean (Hocking) Collins, passed away Thursday, June 22 at St. Francis Hospital.

He was born May 26, 1947 in Stafford, the son of the late Arthur E. and Marie (Belliveau) Collins. He was raised in Somersville and lived in the Somers community for twenty years. A dedicated employee, Harry was employed at the Olive Garden for twenty-five years.

He served his country honorably and was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. He was a former volunteer with the Somers Volunteer Fire Dept. In his free time, he loved bass fishing and competed in many bass tournaments throughout the state. He was known as "Big Papa" to all of his beloved grandchildren and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Jean, of 48 years, he is survived by one daughter, Carol Ruby and her husband, Daniel of Enfield; a brother, LeRoy Collins and his wife, Beverly of Somers; two sisters, Alice Richards of Springfield, MA, and Kathy; four grandchildren, Crystal Neives and her husband, Ozzy, Christopher Ruby and his partner, Kristina Voisine, Dillion Ruby and his partner, Jen Foisy, and Brook Ruby and her partner, Joseph Russo; nine beloved great grandchildren; and a father-in-law, Lenord Hocking. Harry was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur E. Collins, Jr. and Gary Collins.

Visitation hours will be held Monday, June 26 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main Street, Somers. Funeral services in celebration of Harry's life will be held at Somers Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 27 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at West Cemetery in Somers.

Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.somersfuneralhome.com.