Hugh Jeffery Collins, age 56, of Derby, unexpectedly entered into eternal rest on November 10, 2021.
Jeff, as he was known, was born in Derby on July 8, 1965, son of the late Hugh and Antoinette Collins. A lifelong resident of Derby, he was a graduate of Derby High School in 1983. There, he was a stand-out athlete excelling on the football field, wrestling mat and on the track. Following graduation, Jeff enlisted in the United States Army and was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division serving during Operation Desert Storm as a helicopter mechanic until his honorable discharge. He was a highly skilled Senior Servo Mechanic at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford since 1989, where he worked on the Super Stallion, Blackhawk and Seahawk. Jeff formerly served as a supernumerary police officer for the City of Derby. He continued his love for sports and the Derby community by coaching football and wrestling for over thirty years. Jeff also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, skiing and cooking.
He leaves to cherish his memory, sisters, Donna Collins of Derby and Ginger Collins Martell (Bill) of Plainfield, nephews, Desmond Collins (Diamond) of Derby, Dante Morton of Bridgeport, Gavin Martell of Plainfield and Justin Martell of New York City, great-nephew, Zenith Collins and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Dr. Kim Collins Morton, Tracy Collins, a great-niece, Nova Collins and maternal and paternal grandparents.
A walk-through visitation for family and friends will take place on Sunday, November 21, 2021, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Regardless of vaccination status, the family asks that all attendees wear masks and social distance as they walk through to pay their respects and exit without lingering to ensure all guests can come through. His funeral service, military honors and burial will be private.
Contributions in Jeff’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org. To sign Jeff’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit http://www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
