Robert (Bob) J. Collins, 95, of Milford, Massachusetts passed away last Monday, December 21, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.Bob was born on February 10, 1925 in Millis, MA to Ludevine and Daniel Collins Sr. He was raised with his 3 sisters Evelyn, Ruth and Kathleen and 1 brother, Daniel Collins, Jr. all of whom predeceased him. After graduating from Millis High School, he enlisted in the U.S Navy, attending Aviation and Gunnery School. Bob served honorably during World War 2 from 1943-1946 and survived the 1945 attack of the USS Ticonderoga in the Pacific after 2 kamikaze planes struck the carrier while operating off the coast of Formosa in the Philippine Islands. A proud World War 2 Veteran of the US Navy, Bob loved to share stories and reminisce about his time served, especially with his grandchildren. In 2018, as one of the last remaining survivors, he traveled with his family to New Orleans to attend the 47th reunion of the Ticonderoga Veterans Association where he was honored and presented with the last piece of the remains of the USS Ticonderoga. Throughout the years, Bob owned and managed numerous restaurants in the area including the Soda Shoppe Milford, Golden Spoon Hopkinton and The Red Barn Steak House in Millis. He was very proud of his service in the Navy and was an active member of the Italian Vets in Milford, Marchiagiano Club, American Legion Club Millis, and the Westboro VFW. He loved to watch sports and gather with his friends to play Gin. He shared a passion for traveling with his wife, Ann, and friends, and lived a full and active life.
Bob loved people and was well-known for his affection, hospitality and generosity to everyone. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and respected grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He will be forever cherished and greatly missed by all.Bob is survived by his wife, Ann (D’Alessandro) Phaneuf; His 5 children: Christine (Collins) Buckley and husband Paul Buckley, William (Billy) Collins, Robert (Bobby) Collins Jr. and partner Gina Sprague, Debra (Phaneuf) Blatz and partner Paul Castiglione, and Gary Phaneuf and wife Michele (Sannicandro) Phaneuf; His 8 grandchildren: Jamie Pachico, John Pachico and his wife Lyuba, Cody Pachico, Paul Buckley Jr., Nicole Blatz and partner James Richard, Danielle Phaneuf- Scioletti and husband Matthew Scioletti, Ashley (Blatz) Curley and husband Matthew Curley, and Dylan Phaneuf. He was a proud Great Grandfather to Stella, Isabella, Samarah, Kai, and Maddie. Bob also leaves behind by 2 nieces, Kathleen Borgman and Charlene Malette.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday May 1, 2021 at 10 A.M. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus church 5 East Main St. The burial will follow in the parish cemetery. A calling hour will be held one hour prior to the funeral Mass from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. at the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St. Milford MA 01757
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salmon Hospice 37 Birch St.Milford, Ma 01757 or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars processing center PO Box 8954 Topeka KS 66608-9922