John T. Collins

John Thomas "Jack" Collins April 6, 1926 – January 14, 2016 On January 14, 2016, John Thomas Collins passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer. He was 89 years old. John's family takes solace in the knowledge that he is now with his beloved wife, Rosemary. John was a long time resident of Capitola, California. John was born in San Jose to John Terrence Collins and Teresa (Camp) Collins. He spent part of his youth in San Francisco. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in San Jose. In March, 1944, during World War II, John joined the navy just short of his 18th birthday. He served his country with honor, starting with basic training in San Diego then machinist training in Gulfport, MS. After training, he shipped out to the South Pacific until the end of the war as a Machinist Mate, 1st Class. Upon returning to the states, John was stationed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard where he assisted in the mooring of returning ships in the Suisun Bay. Upon discharge from the service, John moved to Capitola and started a career with Southern Pacific Railroad spanning over 39 years, retiring as a Conductor. John also served as an officer with the United Transportation Union. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Capitola Fire Protection District and later served on their Board of Directors. John was President of the Soquel High Boosters Club in the early 70's. He was a 4th Degree assembly member of the Knights of Columbus Council #971. He had many responsibilities on the council, including serving as Grand Knight. He was a long time parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Capitola, volunteering as an usher for more than 40 years. John and Rosemary enjoyed traveling at home and abroad during their retirement. They especially loved their trip to Ireland. In addition, John remained active working part-time for Norman's Family Chapel and later, Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. John had fond memories of watching the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges being built, eventually walking across the Golden Gate Bridge on the day it opened. As a teen, John loved to ride his bicycle throughout the Santa Clara Valley, with frequent bike rides on El Camino Real from Willow Glen to his grandparent's home in Palo Alto. He also made rides to Stevens Creek Reservoir and the Almaden Valley. He attended the first ever San Francisco Forty-niners game at Kezar Stadium in 1946. John was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Rosemary Devitt Collins. He is survived by his children: John Collins II (Annalea), Maureen Collins, Kevin Collins (Tracy), and Terrence Collins (Earlene). He also leaves his wonderful grandchildren: Angela Smith (Don), Lauren Clark (Lawrence), Amy Malone (Robert), Monika Endrizzi, Jessica Donahue (John), Kate Collins, Jeremy Collins, Joshua Collins, Meghan Collins, and 3 great grandchildren: Hazel, Russell and Aria. John also leaves his sister, Marge Smith, his nephew, Carter Smith (Gaylen), sister-in-law Ruth (Devitt) Jacobs, brother-in-law Milton Devitt (Pat), many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends. The family of John Collins wishes to thank Hospice of Santa Cruz County and the staff of Brookdale of Scotts Valley for their loving help and kindness. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (435 Monterey Ave.) in Capitola on Saturday, January 30th, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in John's name to the ALS Association, Golden West Chapter, or a charity of your choice.