Lt. Col. John J. Collins Send a condolence note

Laconia------John J. Collins, Lt. Col., U.S. ARMY, Retired - 82, of 276 Cotton Hill Road died at the Lakes Region General Hospital on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. 

Mr. Collins was born June 29, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of John and Ella (Penney) Collins.  Mr. Collins was raised in Concord and was a career military officer before moving to Gilmanton Corner where he lived for many years. More recently spending winters in Florida and summers on Mohawk Island before moving to Laconia to be with his family.

Mr. Collins was a test pilot in the U. S. Army, serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  He was a member of the Choisin Few and was recipient of many medals and awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal, VN Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Master Army Aviator Badge, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  

         Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lucille (Landry) Collins, of Concord; two daughters, Dallas Gilbert and her husband, David, of Laconia and Michele Collins of Concord, and two grandchildren, Brett Peterman and Casey Gilbert.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Collins was predeceased by a daughter, Kirsten Collins, in 1975.

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…”

There will be no calling hours. A family service will be held this summer to honor his life.

         In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246.

         Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is in charge of the arrangements.  For more information and to view an on-line memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.