Leo Patrick Collins

Leo Patrick Collins 85, of Jacksonville Florida, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2015.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana to Patrick and JoAnna Collins on September 5, 1929
He graduated from high school in Lena Illinois, proudly served 4 years in the Navy on the air craft carrier USS Coral Sea, and was honorably discharged on February 4, 1952. He was an active member of The USS Coral Sea CVA-43 Association for many years, and found a lot of joy in their reunions, and old sea stories.
Leo was introduced to Shirley Brandt of Holly, NY by a fellow sailor. They corresponded with each other via letters for several months which lead to a couple of visits, and their sweet heart marriage on February 14, 1952. They were married for 56 years, and was highlighted by their fabulous 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration with family and friends.
Leo worked as a computer programmer for Maricopa County and General Electric in Phoenix, Arizona, and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. He was proud to be a part of computer industry that started with punch cards, mag tape libraries, to the ever changing computer advancements.
Leo was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mandarin since moving to Jacksonville upon his and Shirley’s retirement. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 45 years. His main hobby was going out to his favorite restaurants, telling family stories, and reading about current events in the daily newspaper.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Shirley, his oldest daughter Deborah Ann, and his grandson Andy.
Leo is survived by his son Paul and wife Sharon Collins; daughter Mary Jane and husband Ken Smith; daughter Cathleen and husband Larry Finnan; and son in law Randy Shippee; 14 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren; and his very good friend and companion Mary Wise.
His funeral mass will be on Friday, May 29th at 12:30pm in the Historic Church of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mandarin. Following the mass, Leo will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Cemetery.