Matthew Collins

and Lola F. Collins. His family resided in Auburn, Maine until he was five years old. Matt had four older brothers and one younger sister. He grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York but the family returned during summer vacations to their camp on Thompson Lake in Otisfield. Matt was happiest there and always considered Maine to be his true home. His family returned to live in Maine the summer of 1970.

He began working at age eleven as a newspaper carrier, then held other part-time work until he joined the Coast Guard after graduating from Oxford Hills High School. Matt's four years of active service included being stationed aboard the Cutter Escanaba out of New Bedford, MA as a Damage Controlman and assignment to Coast Guard Group Portland, ME. There he inspected merchant vessels and waterfront facilities and investigated water pollution incidents including oil spills. He continued with the Coast Guard as a Reservist, attaining the rank of CWO4 and managing a crew of up to 25. He served a total of over 32 years of service.

Matt married the love of his life, Fredericka Piirainen of South Paris, and remained happily married for 50 years, until his death.

He was a part-time student in the University of Maine system, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor in Business Administration and minor in Criminal Justice.

Matt had a career with the State of Maine spanning more than 21 years. He worked in programs assisting the disadvantaged and people with disabilities. He also investigated civil rights matters with the Maine Human Rights Commission.

Then, at Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maine, he helped households in financial distress. His last occupation was as a Wage and Hour Investigator for the US Department of Labor for over fourteen years, until his retirement.

Matt was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn. Additionally, he was a long-time volunteer with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). He was also a life member with the Reserve Officers Association and Disabled American Veterans, and a contributing supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Matt's love for family was apparent in the gatherings and outings he shared at rented lakefront properties, pool parties, and celebrations of holidays and family birthdays. He enjoyed fishing, especially on trips to Moosehead and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes with his son and son-in-law. He also liked making model cars, a hobby from his childhood that he kept, saying "you have to get older but you don't have to grow up."

He was predeceased by his parents and 3 of his brothers, Jack, Tom and Tim.

He is survived by his brother Mike Collins, his younger sister Martha as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Matt also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Sharon Collins, Kate Collins, Libby Collins, Anita Leland, Sandra Cyr and brother-in-law Richard Cyr. Matt leaves behind his beloved wife Fredericka; his precious daughter Jessie and her husband Steven Hinson; dear son Stephen, and his beloved grandchildren: Colby, Sierra, Alayna and Atticus.

Visitation for Matt will be held on Wednesday, November 20th from 2PM to 6PM at the Fortin & Pinette Group in Lewiston. A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, November 21st at 11AM at the Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, followed by Committal Prayers and Military Honors at King Hill Cemetery in South Paris.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund, 757 Summer Street, Auburn, ME 04210

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home | 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240 | (207) 784-4023