William H. Collins, Jr.

William H. Collins, Jr., “Bill”, age 75, a long-time resident of Tewksbury, passed away on October 19, 2023.

Bill was born on January 17, 1948, in Somerville, MA; he was the cherished son of the late William H. and Elizabeth (Donovan) Collins.  Bill was raised in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School with the Class of 1965.

Following graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 6, 1966.  He served overseas in Vietnam for more than three years, earning several medals for his faithful service.  After four years, Bill was honorably discharged on September 10, 1970, and returned home to his family.

Bill married his wife, Helen R. (Doucas) Collins, on February 13, 1972.  The couple lived in Dorchester and Tyngsboro before settling in Tewksbury, where they raised their two daughters, Michelle, and Kathleen.  Bill was a wonderful “Dad” to his girls; he taught them valuable life lessons and continued to be their biggest supporter throughout their lives.

Bill worked as a Conductor for the B & M Railroad, Keolis and Amtrack for over thirty-five years.  He loved his job; Bill was a “people person” and most of his passengers became his friends. 

In his spare time, Bill enjoyed golfing, fishing, and taking trips to the casino.  He also enjoyed family gatherings with his grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. 

Bill will be remembered for his warm personality and his great smile; he was the “mayor” of the neighborhood and talked to everyone he met.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Bill was the beloved husband of Helen R. (Doucas) Collins, devoted father of Michelle Reppucci & her husband Don of Dracut and Kathleen Newton & her husband Tim of Wayland, loving “Grandpa” of Anthony Reppucci, William Reppucci, and Andie Elizabeth Newton, dear brother of Elizabeth Cabral & her husband Greg of Billerica, Michael Collins & his wife Carol of Maine, Jane Serpa & Charlie of Methuen, the late Dennis Collins & his wife Jane of Florida, and the late Daniel Collins, brother-in-law of Robert & Joyce Doucas of Gloucester, Ginny & Bob Beeson of Ohio, the late John Doucas & his wife Angela of Methuen, the late Marie Doucas, and the late Connie Erardi.  Bill is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, October 24th at 9:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St., (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury.  Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, October 23rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA  02452.