Michael P. Collins
April 25, 1941 — November 30, 2010
Michael P. Collins, 69, Rockford, died Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in his home.nbsp; Born April 25, 1941 in Chicago, son of Howard and Annette Collins.nbsp; 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.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; He formerly ownednbsp;a Browns Chicken Franchise in Rockford and was involved in severalnbsp;othernbsp;entreprenureal endeavors. He was an active volunteer with the Rockford School District reading to elementary students and had been a hospice volunteer.nbsp; Michael had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing laughs with others.nbsp; 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.nbsp; He will always be cherished as a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed.nbsp;nbsp;
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.nbsp; 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.nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice amp; Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL. 61108, American Cancer Society, 4312 E. State, Rockford, IL. 61108 or St. Constantine amp; Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. 5 th St, Rockford, IL 61107. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com