Edward P. Collins II

He was a proud American serving in the Naval Air Command VP 28 Hawaiian Warriors (1956-1960). He represented our country while stationed in Barbara’s Point Hawaii and Iwakuni, Japan. He served as an electrician onboard the P2V bomber along with (4) of his lifelong military comrades who were known as the “Big Four” (Fidance, Devocatis, Michaud, Collins.) After his military service, he had a career as an engineer, electrician and in sales for companies in New York and Florida, including Dupont Industries.

He was married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart Carol Collins (Czerepinski) for 59 years. Together, they began their lives in Riverhead, New York and moved to Florida in 1969, taking residence in Jupiter/Tequesta. Despite living in Florida for nearly 55 years, Ed always referred to himself as “from New York”. They share three children Anne Marie Collins, Eileen Kluesner (DeWayne), Edward Collins III (Christine) and have seven grandchildren Anthony Taglienti, Michael Taglienti, Ava Taglienti, Brianna Baxter, Daniella Kluesner, Casey Collins and Taylor Collins.

He is predeceased in death by his father, Edward Patrick Collins, his mother, Bridget Collins (Harte) and is survived by his sister Barbara Leahy (James).

Ed was of Irish heritage and had an incredible sense of humor and sarcasm. He maintained a lifelong bond with his childhood friend Joe Sassone. He loved the University of Florida and the Florida Gators. He enjoyed gathering with families and friends and will be remembered as the ‘life of the party’ by those who knew him well and even those who met him once. He was an avid golfer and passionate about the game. He played golf nearly every week of his adult life at area golf courses.

He was a faithful Catholic, attending mass daily at St. Jude Catholic Parish in Tequesta, Florida. He was loved by everyone who ever met him. He was a generous, loving father, a devoted husband and remarkable grandfather.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains shine soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”