Herman Dewey Collins, on July 28, 2023, of Washington Twp., NJ. Age 94.
Born August 28, 1928 and raised on the Mattaponi Indian Reservation in Virginia (which he fondly referred to as “down home”) to Gracie (nee Custalow) and Alfred (Bun) Collins. He grew up fishing on the Mattaponi River and living off the land. He developed a deep love of nature and of all animals, great and small. He moved to Philadelphia and quickly adapted to life in the city. He told us endless stories of shining shoes, shooting craps and hanging on the corner with friends he was devoted to all of his life.
He was married young to Gloria Walters and had four children: Larry (Donna); Susan, and pre-deceased by Jimmy and Tommy. He re-married Margaret (Peggy) O’Donnell, pre-deceased, and had five children: Danny (Dorothea), Kathy (Bill), Mark (Jackie), Barbara (Jerry) and pre-deceased by Denise. Their loving marriage would last more than fifty years.
As you might expect, he had many grandchildren and even more great-grandchildren. He adored them all; and they adored him. He was a kind, funny, accepting and loving grandfather.
He loved music (mostly the blues) and knew the lyrics to every song he loved. He even liked the Rolling Stones. Up until the day before he walked on, he was still singing along to his favorite tunes.
He was a master of physical fitness! He was a bodybuilder and state champion in Judo. He trained his body to be his greatest strength, which served him well into his older years.
He was also a master storyteller, and his jokes and funny expressions are too many to tell; but all will be remembered by those who knew him. There was never a more unique soul in this world. He was ahead of his time and an ally to all his loved ones and friends. We are all so grateful that his earthly journey included us and that we benefitted from the beautiful soul of a man that he was. His love lives on.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday 9:00 – 11:00 am at Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Funeral service 11:00. The family will have a private burial.