Thad (Tom) Collins

Thad Collins (also known affectionately as Tom) of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of Newport, NH, passed away February 21st, 2025, at the age of 64. He passed away in his home that was shared with his brother, niece, and four great-nieces and a nephew. He was of the Christian faith: believing in the love, mercy and goodness of God and transmitting that to others around him to the end. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to John Collins and Marilyn Perrault-Collins on February 18th, 1961, but raised by John and Ann Casey-Collins after the passing of Marilyn at the age of 8. He was preceded in death by his mother Marilyn Perrault-Collins, and grandparents Angela (Ann) and James Collins, Sr. and Francis and Mary Perrault. He is survived by the children he helped raise, Kieth and Kristin Martin, as well as his parents John and Ann Casey-Collins, brothers Robert, Liam (Amy) and Peter (Tegwyn) Collins, and sisters Meghan Collins-Sullivan (Liam) and Alissa Collins-Latenser (John). As well as nieces and nephews Ruth, her children, Ian, Casey and his children, Lorien, and many more nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins. Thad loved talking to others and doing almost everything and anything with the kids in his life. He took care of his friends and family and dedicated his time to assisting his brother with Parkinson’s disease. Thad’s favorite music was Cat Stevens, and he also loved to talk conspiracy theories and educate others about them. He passed on his own terms surrounded by those he loved and celebrated his birthday only four days prior to his passing with Mexican food and drinks. The Knoxville family will gather at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 4th at 9 a.m. to have a Receiving of Friends, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. officiated by Father John Arthur Orr with a light reception afterwards. All are welcome to come honor his memory and pray for him. This will be followed by a graveside service in Lynnfield, Massachusetts where he will be buried next to his beloved mother, as he wished. Thad wishes for everyone to remember to care for and love each other, as your next day isn’t promised. If you would like to do something in his memory, you can lend a helping hand as he would have or say a prayer. Arrangements are respectfully being handled by Rose Mortuary and flowers or gifts can be given at Holy Ghost Catholic Church: 1041 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917. “I am confident that, in the end, common sense and justice will prevail. I'm an optimist, brought up on the belief that if you wait to the end of the story, you get to see the good people live happily ever after.” - Cat Stevens

Tributes

Thad (Tom) Collins

February 21, 2025