Dr. Thomas E. Collins, Sr.

Thomas Edward Collins, M.D. born October 9, 1939, passed away on August 3, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Marion Collins and graduated from Saint Joseph's High School, John Carroll University, and Saint Louis University School of Medicine where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society in his third year. Tom married Judy Miller in 1964 and after completing his medical training and serving for two years in the Public Health Service moved to Venice in 1971. Tom practiced Internal Medicine in Venice for twenty years before becoming the Chief Medical Officer of Venice Hospital and later the Medical Director for Bon Secours Nursing Home. Tom was active in the Venice community serving as Chief of Staff of Venice Hospital on two occasions, the Board of Directors for Venice Hospital, and the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Venice Library, serving as Chairman of the Board for 2 years. Tom and Judy traveled extensively in retirement seeing many parts of the world, often from the deck of a cruise ship with a glass of wine and surrounded by dear friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marion Collins, and his brothers Jack and Bill. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 49 years, his sister Mary Cook (Tony) of Cleveland, OH, his six children: Dr. Thomas E. Collins, Jr. (Katherine) of Cleveland, OH, Mary Collins Szablowski (Paul) of Madison, WI, Dr. Dennis P. Collins (Carla) of Gainesville, FL, Peter M. Collins (Julie) of Sarasota, FL, Amy Collins Staas (Kevin), Nokomis, FL, and Daniel T. Collins (Julie) of Venice, FL. He was proud ""Papa"" to his twenty grandchildren: Katie Collins, Thomas E. Collins III, Delany Collins, Andrew Collins, Emily Collins, Emma Szablowski, Erin Szablowski, Ryan Szablowski, Ella Szablowski, Amelia Collins, Sarah Collins, Kevin Collins, Liam Collins, Lucy Collins, Patrick Collins, Daniel Staas, Abigail Staas, William Staas, Shannon Collins, and Maggie Collins. There will be a wake on Sunday, August 11, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church on Monday, August 12, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. where Tom was a dedicated parishioner for over 40 years. Tom's family would like to extend their thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff members at Venice Regional Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epiphany Cathedral School or the Friends of the Venice Public Library. Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel is caring for arrangements. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, August 11, 2013 Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Service Information Date: Monday, August 12, 2013 Time: 4:00 pm Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church Address: 350 Tampa Ave. W., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map