MOREAU – Paul H. Collins, Sr., 76, of Moreau, passed away July 9, 2014, at Saratoga Hospital, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Born February 17, 1938, in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Sanford E. Collins and Mildred (Ostrander) Collins. in Hudson Falls
He attended and graduated from Hudson Falls High School. Following high school, Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Korea from 1956 to 1959.
He married Phyllis M. Hoag on June 21, 1959 at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.
Paul was the proud owner of Paul H. Collins Trucking and The Wayside Tavern, both in Hudson Falls. Paul and Phyllis also were the previous owners of Smoke Rise Campgrounds in Pottersville.
He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge Elks Lodge # 81 of Glens Falls and Queensbury. Paul enjoyed camping, golfing, NASCAR, snowmobiling and spending time with his family. He was there for anyone in need. Paul’s generous and caring ways will be remembered by many forever.
Beside his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Sanford A. (Skip) Collins, his sister in law, Jean Collins, his brother in law, Ronald Rich and his mother and father in law, William J (Bill) and Ernestine M. Hoag.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis M. Collins of Moreau; his children, Lori Strassburg and her husband, Walt, Paul H. Collins, Jr., and his wife, Laurie, Brian D. Collins and partner, Kara Moak, all of Moreau; six granchildren, Walter P. Strassburg and his wife, Jennifer of Rochester, Robert Strassburg, Courtney Collins, Cari Collins, Emily Collins and Alyssa Collins, all of Moreau; his great grandson, Walter S. Strassburg of Rochester; his brother, Ted Collins and his wife, Joanne of Moreau; his sister in law, Sharlene Rich of Moreau; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins and his grand dog, Abby, his pride and joy and always by his side.
Paul will be remembered by all for his optimistic and positive attitude throughout his illness. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and relatives may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Gospel Lighthouse Assemblies of God Church on 30 LaCrosse St. in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be conducted at the church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Mead, pastor officiating.
Interment, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 574 of Hudson Falls, will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the excellent doctors, nurses, and receptionist of Saratoga Oncology and Hematology for making him feel so cared for, lifting his spirits, and making him smile at each visit.
Memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 959 Mount Royal Plaza, State Rte 9, Queensbury, NY 12804
It is with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of Paul. He was a great and benevolent man and will be greatly missed me and by the Sandy Hill Days Committee.
To the Paul Collins Family
In this short space we cannot express the great loss we feel in Paul’s passing. He was a wonderful person and we hope he knew how respected and loved he was by myriads of people.
Phyllis & Phil
I will miss Paul’s energy & enthusiasm, always finding a way to help get things done. May God’s love & grace bring healing, comfort and stength.
Steve Dudek and the Nortrax family.
Although I haven’t seen him years, I remember him in high school and even played some darts with him in Kingsbury. Always had a positive outlook.
Paul and I were in the same graduating class.