John A. Collins

John A Collins, 100 of West Chester, PA, died Thursday May 7, 2020 at St. Martha Manor, Downingtown, PA.

He was the husband of the late Doris Anne Donahue Collins. 

Born November 26, 1919 in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Francis Collins and the late Eleanor Dempsey Collins and was predeceased by four brothers: Francis, James, Joseph, and Edward and two sisters: Margaret Mulrooney (Al) and Lillian Baldwin. (Lou).

John graduated in 1937 from St. Michael’s High School, Jersey City, NJ where he excelled in football and baseball.  He was selected to try out and awarded a position as a second baseman for the farm teams of professional baseball in New York before being drafted into the U. S. Army. During World War II, John served in Italy and North Africa.  While stationed in Rome, he was unexpectedly personally addressed and blessed by Venerable Pope Pius XII at a weekly general audience. John considered this spontaneous meeting with the Holy Father one of the greatest highlights of his life.

Upon completion of his tour of duty, John married the love of his life, Doris, and began his career at the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company food stores where he worked all of his life.

John enjoyed all sports especially baseball, football, and hockey. He loved attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted family man. John was happiest when the entire family could be together for holidays and other celebrations.

After many happy years of retirement in Florida, John suffered the loss of his beloved wife of 59 years in 2008. John relocated to West Chester, Pennsylvania to be nearer to his beloved children and grandchildren. 

John is survived by his 5 children, John Collins, Jr., Melville, NY,  Noreen Cavara, West Chester, PA,  Doris Tobin, Holbrook, NY Carol Murray, N. Bellmore, NY, James Collins (Liz), Hattiesburg, MS, 16 grandchildren: Kathleen Globushutz (Frank), John Collins, III,  Matthew Cavara, Teresa Mulholland (Brian). Kenneth Cavara, John Paul Cavara, Rev. Mark Cavara, Andrew Cavara, Luke Cavara, Grace Kiely (Richard), Mary Tobin, Daniel Tobin,

John Murray, III, (Lauren), Mary Murray, Timothy Murray, Savannah Collins and 7 great grandchildren: Savannah, Frank, Lucy, Jack, Luke and Stella and many nieces and nephews.

John's private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church, West Chester, PA; followed by his Interment in Calverton National Cemetery, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210, www.EWTN.com or the Dorothy Day Room of St. Agnes Parish, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA or Feed the Nurses (PM Shift) Go Fund Me.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com