Brian Collins, 74
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Brian Anthony Collins, 74, of North Adams passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 9th at home. He was born in North Adams on July 11, 1949, to the late Clayton and Josephine (Pisano) Collins.
He graduated from the former St. Joseph High School and from Berkshire Community College with a degree in Fire Science. Brian was a retired firefighter from the North Adams Fire Department. He was also very proud of his established family business, New England Chimney Specialists, which employed his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He was well known for his dedication to the local YMCA and National AAU wrestling programs. He was also coach of the Drury High School wrestling team for numerous years. He traveled the country with his youth programs and hosted several wrestling events in the area including foreign exchange and professional wrestling events.
Brian enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Diane. They were known to travel to a different country annually. He loved taking his entire family, including grandchildren, on luxurious vacations to make sure they experienced things they may never be able to do on their own. Everyone in the family knew to call “Poppy” no matter what the issue because he would always solve the problem. He will be deeply missed by all.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Diane (Girard) Collins, whom he married on February 14, 1970. He also leaves a daughter Michelle (Jack) Racette and a son Kurt (Joey) Collins. He leaves one sister, Sandra Collins; six grandchildren including Justin, Danielle, Collin, Reece, Jude, and Braden; six great-grandchildren including Jade, Leros, Jasmine, Jace, Jackson, and Parker. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Jeanne Harvey, Antoinette (Try) Hean, Renee (Sean) Mullett; his mother-in-law Patricia Girard; and several nieces and nephews.
At Brian’s request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside burial will take place at the family plot at Southview Cemetery on Monday, November 13th at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AYJ or Pop Cares through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA. 01247 To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
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