David W. Collins

Troy

David W. Collins, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Albany Medical

Center, surrounded by his “girls”. Dave was the son of the late Charles E. and Elaine (Dillon) Collins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his older brother, Charles “Chip” Collins, and his best friend, Dave LaForge.

Dave attended Maple Hill High School before he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969.

A true entertainer at heart, Dave had an effortless ability to light up any room he walked into. He took genuine joy in making others laugh-whether through a perfectly timed one-liner, a well-worn family story, or a spontaneous bit of silliness that caught everyone off guard. He believed that laughter was not just a fleeting moment of joy, but a way to bring people together. Dave’s athletic ability made him a great golfer, but it was his warmth and humor that made him a favorite playing partner and friend to many on the green. He also cherished the simple joy of long car rides through the countryside, windows down, music playing, and no particular destination-just the peace of the open road and the beauty of the green world around him. Dave’s happiest moments were those spent cooking for loved ones and sharing laughter around the dinner table. He gave the kind of hugs that made you feel deeply loved - hugs that will be missed more than words can say.

Dave is survived by the mother of his children, Lynne Collins; his daughters, Shelley (Errol) Hutchinson, Shawna (Lawrence) Masters, and Stacey (Patsy) Collins; his granddaughters, Lawren (Kyle) Masters and Lyndze (Brandon) Masters; and his beloved great grandson, Oscar Flynn. He is also survived by his siblings Jackie (Geoff) MacDonald and Peg Lill, as well as an abundance of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held privately. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14th, 2025. If you would like to attend, please contact Shelley at shelleyrose610@gmail.com by Monday, June 9th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204 in honor of his lifelong love for his pets and all furry friends.

To share a memory of Dave or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guest book below.