Cornelius Collins Jr.

STANDISH — Cornelius “Connie” Joseph Collins Jr., 75, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Connie was born in Portsmouth, N.H., the son of Cornelius Sr. and Earleen (Bilodeau) Collins.

Connie grew up in the Portsmouth area and graduated from Exeter High School. After high school, Connie joined the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1959-1963. Upon his discharge, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Selleck, and together they raised their three children. He got into the insurance business in 1966 and the family settled in Brentwood, N.H. He worked as a sales professional for MetLife and Boston Mutual Insurance companies for over 40 years. In 1978, the family relocated to Standish due to a promotion, and although Connie officially retired at 65, he never really left the insurance sales field.

Connie loved his family and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. Taking an interest in their lives, he coached Farm League Baseball and was a Cub Scout leader with his sons years ago, and volunteered at the Casco Public Library as the “Storytime Grandpa” with his grandchildren for the past seven years.

He enjoyed being in the outdoors, either fishing at his camp in Rangeley, going for walks near his home, growing pumpkins for his grandchildren, and even just watching the birds. Connie also enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and old movies, especially ones starring Humphrey Bogart.

Connie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty; children, Michelle Brenner of Casco, Timothy Collins of Standish and Christopher Collins of Westbrook; six grandchildren; sisters, Maureen Bitoff of California and Earleen Fernald of New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas A. Collins.

Visitation was held on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at St. Anthony’s of Padua, 268 Brown Street, Westbrook. Burial was at Dow’s Corner Cemetery in Standish. To express condolences and to participate in Connie’s online tribute, please visit: www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037 or Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, c/o Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, #1, Scarborough, ME 04074.