Obituary of William Collins

William J. Collins, a retired commercial and residential painter, passed away on Monday afternoon, February 22, 2016 at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington. He was 81 years old. William or as his friends called him, Billy, was born in Cambridge, the son of the late John and Emily Collins. He grew up in Cambridge on Cambridge Street in an area steep with Portuguese values and traditions. He was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. He served in the Army as a Private First Class serving in the 21st Infantry Regiment shortly after the Korean War and the early stages of the Vietnam Era. During his time of service he spent 16 months overseas mostly in Korea and was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. He worked for many years for Raytheon in the maintenance department. During and after his Raytheon years, Billy had his own company, Collins Painting, where he did commercial and residential painting. Billy learned from his parents the importance of family. He had a strong bond with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He was so blessed to have met his wife, Eileen, whom he shared 41 years together and 24 years of marriage. Eileen and her family added so much meaning and joy to Billy’s life. They did so much together from wintering in Deerfield Beach Florida, summers spent at their cottage at Hampton Beach, family gatherings and celebrations and holidays. Their home in Burlington was the gathering spot for family and friends. He would spend hours and hours maintaining and cleaning the pool so the kids and later grandkids could enjoy fulfilled summer days with family and their friends. When not at home, he would spend the morning with his friends at Dunkin Donuts. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Billy was the beloved husband of Eileen E. (Ross). He was the loving father of Cheryl Kendall & her husband George of Wilmington, Cindy LaRose of North Reading & Karen Steadman of Burlington. He was the brother of Elizabeth “Dolly” Cabral of Chelmsford, Roberta Janus of Cambridge and the late Joseph Silva, Robert, Richard & John Collins. He was the proud grandfather of Amanda LaRose, Erica Mallett, Ashley Steadman, Brian Steadman, Georgie Kendall & Jimmy Kendall. Great grandfather of Dylan Searles. He was the brother-in-law of Barbara Collins of York Beach, ME & FL, Joan Collins of Wells, ME, Bea Collins of Somerville, and the late George Janus. Billy was also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorial’s in Billy’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210