Obituary of Michael P. Collins

Michael P. Collins January 11, 2011 Michael P. Collins, 65, formerly of Tipperary Hill, NY passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2011 after a courageous fight with a long illness. Mike was born October 18, 1945 to the late Robert and Alice G. Collins. He spent his childhood years on the west end of Syracuse and attended Vocational High School. He went onto proudly serve in the US Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis where he was aboard the USS Ingraham. After returning to Syracuse, he began working at New Process Gear/Chrysler and was a member of Local 624, where he retired after 30 years in 1999. "Mike", mischievous at times but always friendly was known to frequent several establishments on Tipperary Hill and considered many of the "Guys" as a second family. He was a past member of the Adelphi Club, the Pastime Athletic Club, Tin Can Sailors, the USS Ingraham Association, a social member of the Tyrol Club and VFW of Mattydale. He also loved to coach his children and did so for many years at the West End PBA Little League and Westvale Knights. He also enjoyed 25 years at his "second" home on Brennan Beach where he would watch the sunset with a cocktail and could be seen driving around on his golf cart. Mike was an avid and long-time fan of the New York Yankees, New York "Football" Giants, New York Rangers and Syracuse University. He was a past season ticket holder for Syracuse football and proudly attended the final game at Archbold Stadium. He is survived by his ever-loving wife of 41 amazing years, Eileen Kinsella Collins, daughters; Gretchen Mulcahey and husband Patrick of Camillus, NY, Kelly Wolfram and husband James of Tipperary Hill, son; Michael J. Collins and wife Harmony of Westvale, NY. The light of his life, his grandchildren; JJ, Timothy, Mary-Margaret, Daniel, Connor, Ryan and Aiden. Sister, Janice Moriarty and husband Michael of Syracuse and brother, Charles David of Liverpool, NY. Several nieces and nephews and very loving In-Laws. Affectionately known to many as "Big Mike", he wanted to express that "This is a time for celebration with no tears, I'm going to a better place." Services: 9:30 a.m. Monday at Tindall Funeral Home and 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid-St. Joseph's Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home, 1921 W. Genesee St. In lieu of flowers, Mike has requested that donations be made to the VFW and Veterans Hospital of Syracuse.