Obituary of Richard Eugene Collins

Richard Eugene Collins, 83, of Alpine, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Schuyler Hospital. He was born in Newfield on September 24, 1935, the son of the late Eugene Emery Collins and Leah Mabel Wright. He was employed at Cargill in Watkins Glen for 35 years, retiring on November 1, 1995.

Richard was a founding member of the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance, a member of the Odessa Fire Department, an EMT, and AA volunteer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, watching wildlife, and helping people. He was also known to be a prankster.

He is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Tucker of Delancy, NY and Tonya Burnham of Cayuta; sons, Jeffrey Collins of Montour Falls, Richard (Darlene) Collins of Odessa, James Collins of Albuquerque, NM; step-sons, Daniel (Martha) Williams of Horseheads and Todd (Heather) LaRow of Cayuta; a brother, Merle Collins of Cayuta; 14 grandchildren, Schuyler Collins, Seneca Collins, Elisha Townson, Jason Collins, Jacob Collins, Jonathan Collins, Christopher Collins, Chenaie Collins, Teresa Collins, Danielle Tucker, Connor Tucker, Destinie Burnham, Morgan Burnham and Kadin Burnham; 9 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Anna Mae Elmo, brother-in-law, John Elmo, Jr., sister-in-law, Susan Parrott Collins, son-in-law, Daniel Tucker, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Reid Collins.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Cayuta Free Church, State Route 224, Cayuta. A reception will follow at the Cayuta Town Hall. Arrangements by Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls.