Mark Collins passed away peacefully on April 11, 2017 at Union Hospital in Elkton in the company of his family, after bravely and stubbornly (a trait of which he was proud) resisting a long series of medical complications.
Mark, the son of Katherine M. and James P. Collins, Sr., was born in 1946 in New Jersey. He enjoyed his youth in the Wilmington area, where he attended Salesianum and the University of Delaware. Mark served ably in England as a member of an elite Military Police unit of the U.S. Air Force, winning various awards, including Expert Marksmanship distinctions.
Serving as a Senior Quality Engineer, Mark worked for General Motors for over 35 years. He enjoyed traveling to various GM sites throughout the US as well as to sites in Germany. He volunteered through GM with the Boy Scouts of America.
Mark was most proud of his son, Jim Shige Collins. Several years ago, Mark was delighted to welcome into the family, Jim’s bride, Carmen. He loved to hear of their adventures and travels through the years, to locations all over the world.
Mark spent his retirement years doing the things he loved, such as planting and expanding his gardens, photography, fishing and boating. He was a member of Maryland Shooters and enjoyed volunteering as a Safety Shooting Ranger.
When Mark moved to the banks of the North East River 30 years ago, his boat “Viking 1” was his trusty steed for his Chesapeake adventures. Unfortunately, his family was not able to accommodate Mark’s final wish that he have a “real” Viking funeral in the Chesapeake Bay due to his boat being made of fiberglass.
Mark is survived by his loving son Jim and daughter-in-law Carmen, his amazing mother Katherine Collins, the best big brother he could ever have had, Jim and his wife Elaine, sister Patti Field who was his trusted and caring friend, sister Maureen, sister Karen, brother Christopher and his wife Karen and his brother Kevin. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and his loving girlfriend, Mal Cloonan who took incredible care of Mark. Also surviving him are his beloved cockatoo Baby and cat Weasel.
Mark was predeceased by his father James P. Collins, Sr. and his nephew Peter J. Collins.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ministry of Caring, 115 East 14th St., Wilm DE 19801 (ministryofcaring.org) or to Camp Manito, Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, 700 River Rd., Wilm, DE 19809 (ucpde.org).
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