John F. Collins

Besides his wife Barbara, John is survived by his son David and wife Kathy, his granddaughter Kelly and husband Chris, and his grandson Andrew and wife Lindsay. He is also survived by his 2 great-granddaughters, Alyssa & Molly.

Twenty years ago, having retired from the Defense Contract Agency as a Quality Assurance Specialist, John and his wife Barbara moved to Sandwich where he enjoyed Ham Radio (W1NYR), gardening, clock making, reading and walks along the Cape Cod Canal.

During World War II, S/Sgt John Collins served as a Radio Operator on B-17’s for the Army 8th Air Force 401st Bomb Group 613th Squadron. He flew 19 missions. On his first mission John was injured by enemy flak and received the Purple Heart.

Visiting Hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 in the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, Sandwich. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Corpus Christi Church, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, East Sandwich, with burial following in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Air Force Aide Society Headquarters, 241 18th St South, Suite 202, Arlington VA, 22202 (www.AFAS.org).

John has slipped the surly bonds of earth. He is forever aloft.