Fairport – November 13, 2017. Predeceased by Mother, Janice; Nephew, Jason Dobrowski; Niece, Abbey Hoagland. Survived by loving Wife, Meg Hellwig; Father, Edward “Ted” Collins; Sister, Jennifer Collins; Nephew, Andrew Dobrowski and his Wife, Allison; Uncle, Neil (Christine) Colvin; Aunt, Kate Reidenbach; Father-in-law, Bill (Narda) Hellwig; Sister-in-law, Linda (Jim) Riley; and their Son, Brian; Brothers-in-law, Paul and Ken Hellwig; several cousins and dear friends.

Calling hours 1-4PM Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, Egypt Location, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd.,  Fairport, NY 14450. https://secure3.convio.net/lolly/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app334a?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=9690B6FF235F6D346C11507646846217

 

Biography of Matthew’s Life

Matt was born February 10, 1960 in Rochester, NY. Son of Janice and Ted Collins and brother of Jenny, his youngest years were spent on Rock Beach Rd and Frey St, close to the Charlotte area of Rochester where his parents grew up. He spent his days running in the “back lot” with neighborhood friends or doing silly brother/sister things with Jenny. The children of a man building a business with a wife doing his accounting, most weekend family time was in the back seat of the family car (laughing with his sister at seemingly nothing!) or a in a pick-up truck while Ted estimated jobs.

In 1968, the family moved to Perinton – 2366 Turk Hill Rd. “The Hill”, as it has become to the Collins family and our friends, changed life for Matt, and all of the Collins Clan dramatically. Extended family truly thought we had moved to the country. But, for Matt and the many life-long friends he made, that property and the beautiful rolling hills surrounding it became the largest playground one could imagine!

Sometime in the 70s, Matt became close friends with the Hellwig brothers. While Paul (Cheese) and Ken are his life-long friends, the important turning point in Matt’s life was noticing their younger sister, Meg (the Pill). For most of us around them, it seems Matt and Meg were ALWAYS together – it’s hard to pinpoint the beginning of most great romances – and theirs is nothing short of the best. Suffice it to say, that after decades of being a couple, they actually married on September 1, 2006 – for many deep, personal reasons – but one was certainly to keep Janice happy!

The best days of high school were with close friends BH, T, and Matt’s lacrosse friends – Eddo, Art, BJ, Muck, Greenie, Jase, and Bob Seebold. They, and Matt (Chet), are still a Band of Brothers. There are a few sisters as well – Matt had a great love for Jackie, Trish, and Toosie to name a few. Hopefully, they will all get on line and tell a few stories as well!

After high school, Matt worked at Ted Collins Associates for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors and working hard – but enjoyed the friends he made along the way more.

Over the years, Matt and Meg had a couple of places they called home, but coming to 2300 Turk Hill in 1999 made their real home together. Always a home-body, Matt did have some memorable travels. The Collins family traveled either along with Ted’s hunting adventures, or to the fun destinations at which horticulture conventions occurred. Among the many places visited with family are: Alaska, Barbados, Acapulco, Alaska, California, and the Rocky mountains. As a couple, Matt and Meg joined Ted and Janice on other trips to San Francisco, a Caribbean Cruise, and the Keys. With dear friend BH (Jim Breese) he added Cancun and California again. Amongst all of these, there were many trips to the other Collins home – Hutchinson Island, Florida – with memories of the river, the sunsets, and peaceful beach walks.

Other loves of Matt’s include: collecting sports and music memorabilia, pencil drawing, his Nephews (Andrew, Jason, Brian) and Niece (Abbey), his many beloved pets – now Tucker and Finley, and MUSIC! Matt began collecting sports memorabilia while traveling to sporting events all over the country with his Dad. Highlights include Las Vegas for boxing and the opening of Camden Yards. But, that love moved to music and following favorite bands (Grateful Dead, Strangefolk, and a long list of others). Jenny credits herself with taking Matt to his first concert – Linda Ronstadt – in Saratoga. Matt drew favorite artists with an unsurpassed eye for detail, and even obtained autographs of several along the way. His love of music resulted in very special song collections he recorded for special people in his life – with collections titled “Moms River” and “Songs for Jenny & Abbey” becoming dear to those around him. His music loves were contagious – Andrew, Jay, and Abbey were exposed to all the “best bands” by UM (Uncle Matt).

Matt was big in stature and heart, a kind, gentle man. A quick wit and a loving nature made him fun to be around and endeared him to everyone he met. In later years, Matt drove his Mom to every medical appointment and was by her side for the 3.5 long years of her illness. We all said he was “Driving Miss Daisy”, but it was way more than that – he was the best company a Mom could wish for, and it was his honor and pleasure to accompany her.

On October 18, 2017, he and Meg were delivered news they never expected. Matt’s illness had advanced very far. While the prospects were dim, the best way to continue on was at the Hill, where Matt could be with Meg, Tucker, and Finley, and his dear friends and family could visit. For the next three weeks, Matt was showered with love and affection from Meg, Ted, Jenny, Andrew and Al, and by friends from near and far. The days were few, but the many memories, deep laughs, and big hugs will linger with all of us forever.

It is futile to try to sum up the life of a man who was friends with everyone he met, a mountain of a guy with the sweetest heart, who gave the best hugs on the planet. Matt lived his life with the simplest, yet most profound outlook. He took great joy in the things many overlook – birds, sunsets, dogs, family, music, and love. He chronicled all of these in 1000s of photographs that leave us precious evidence of his joys, while memories of his wide smile and twinkling eyes are assurance that he is, indeed, still with us.


Comments

2 responses to “Collins, Matthew D.”

  1. Christopher Gange, Sr. Avatar
    Christopher Gange, Sr.

    I am so sorry for you loss. My prayers are with you all.

  2. Laurie and Fred DeBlase Avatar
    Laurie and Fred DeBlase

    Dear Meg and Families – So very sorry, words are weak in such times.

    Very few people gather so many true friends as you and Matt have in your life together. Matt was an amazing man in so many ways and we are richer for being able to call him our friend.

    We are grateful for our times together and will cherish every memory.

    Love you and when you are ready to get away there are arms ready to embrace and endless puppy kisses for you here in beautiful Utah.

    Please remember – A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.

    Laurie and Fred DeBlase
    Herriman, Utah

    Laurie & Fred DeBlase
    Herriman, Utah