Michael P. Collins

Michael P. Collins, 69, Rockford, died Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in his home. Born April 25, 1941 in Chicago, son of Howard and Annette Collins. Married Marie C. Hartel in Chicago on October 19, 1968. Michael is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and graduated from Roosevelt College with a degree in Business Administration. He formerly owned a Brown's Chicken Franchise in Rockford and was involved in several other entreprenureal endeavors. He was an active volunteer with the Rockford School District reading to elementary students and had been a hospice volunteer. Michael had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing laughs with others. He had a special connection to family and friends and had been a member of FRISCO S.A.C., with a group of high school friends, for over 50 years. He will always be cherished as a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Marie; daughter, Briget (Chris Peters) Collins; son, Brian (Susan) Collins; brother, Phil (Maryanne) Collins; nieces and nephews, Phil (Cathy) Collins, Jr, Jenny (Shon) Morris, Malvene (Mary) Collins, Karen (Rod) Dickinson, Leslie (Garry) Taraba, Dennis (Leah) Gurnic; extended family, Peggy Zahlman, Bob Shumway and many dear friends. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Jerry Collins.A memorial celebration will be held from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2010 in their residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL. 61108, American Cancer Society, 4312 E. State, Rockford, IL. 61108 or St. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. 5 th St, Rockford, IL 61107. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com