Michael Edward Collins

Michael Edward Collins was called home to our Lord on July 3, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home, in his favorite chair, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where he met the love of his life, Mary. When Michael returned home from service in the Korean War, he and Mary wed. The two settled in Beltsville, Maryland, and had four daughters: Karen, Carolyn, Susan, and Allyson. Michael enjoyed an illustrious 30-year career as an accountant for Western Electric. When he retired, he realized his lifelong dream of opening his own bakery - an ambition he had memorialized in his high school yearbook. Michael was known by his patrons for his warm smile, delicious pastries, and boundless work ethic.

Michael will be remembered by his family for his sweet and gentle spirit, kindness, sense of humor, and integrity. Michael was never seen uttering a harsh or impatient word - he treated all with respect. Michael was a devout Catholic who led his family with unwavering faith and deep devotion to Christ. Michael and Mary were proud parishioners of St. Joseph's Church for 67 years. His ten grandchildren (Amanda, Nicholas, Michael, Lauren, Matthew, Jenna, Sean, Joseph, Emily, and Madison) were the lights of his life. He was incredibly proud of them and delighted in their presence.

Michael was a man of famously few words, but he spoke up when it mattered - most commonly, to finish one of his wife's jokes and to tell those around him that he loved them. Michael's life would not be thought of conventionally as adventurous, as he was not one for travel and enjoyed the simple things like his weekly dinner dates with Mary at the American Legion. But through his example he showed that to love as fiercely as he did, to revel in life's simple pleasures like he did, and to treasure your faith and family above all else like he did, is the greatest adventure of all.

Michael's legacy is one of a family man, man of God, and gentleman. Michael will be remembered, loved, and cherished by the many who were blessed to have known him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Collins, his daughters Karen Collins, Carolyn Ascoli (Lorenzo), Susan Mueller (Eric), Allyson Small (Mike), and his grandchildren.