Bernard Collins ... active in Knights of Columbus

MILTON - Bernard Francis Collins of Milton died peacefully on Nov. 21, 2022. Bernard was predeceased by his wife of more than 63 years, Marjorie V (McGonagle) Collins, his daughter, Candace A Sterling, his parents, Basil F Collins and Edna Rebecca (Rosenberry) Collins, his brothers, Thomas, Edward and Daniel and his sisters, Grace and Cecilia.

He is survived by his daughter Danette L Walker and her husband Thomas E Walker of Converse, Texas; son, Bernard F Collins, II of Chantilly, Va.; son, Brian A. Collins and his wife Pauline L (Ellis) Collins of Palm Bay, Fla., son-in-law, Timothy F. Sterling of Houston, Texas; daughter, Sharon P Collins of Houston; and son Shawn P Collins and his wife Paula (Ciccotelli) Collins of Pembroke. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren (Melissa Collins, David Collins with his wife Brittany, Vanessa (Collins) Fagundes, Jessica (Collins) Ozeck with her husband Luke, Monica (Walker) Styles with her husband Jay, Zachary Collins, Christopher Walker with his wife Katie, Gwendolyn Collins, and Abigail Collins) and seven great grandchildren (Penelope, Rebecca, Esme, Cooper, Malcolm, Hunter, and Rachel). He is also survived by his brother James Collins, his sisters-in-law, Barbara Collins, Peggy Collins, Doris M (McGonagle) Milo and her partner Ollie and his brothers-in-law Jack Kochansky, Joseph T McGonagle and John McGonagle and his wife Sandra J (Tilton) McGonagle as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernie graduated from York Catholic High School in York, Pa., in 1953. He served almost 23 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Master Sargent. Bernie went on to attend and graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Business Administration in 1982.

Bernie worked as a teacher at Exeter Vocational High School and taught classes at New Hampshire Technical College. He worked as a trainer and certifier for Cabletron. After retiring from his third career, he kept busy as a substitute teacher at various public schools in the area.

Bernie was deeply faithful and very involved in the Catholic Church. He became a Eucharistic Minister in 1972 and devotedly served until his death. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus attaining Faithful Navigator 4^th Degree and served as the Grand Knight for the Rochester Chapter. Along with his wife, Marjorie, he was very active in the Cursillo New Hampshire movement. Bernie and Marjorie were married for 63 years and were recognized and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of their 50^th wedding anniversary. They received a Letter of Commendation from President George W Bush for their dedication and service to the country.

While his children were growing up, Bernie volunteered with Boy Scouts of America with whom he served as Troop Leader and Director. He taught Catholic Youth Groups and Catholic Doctrine. He and his wife belonged to Square Dance Clubs in Karamusel, Turkey, Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas, and Lajes Field, Terceira Island, Azores.

Bernie loved to bowl, golf, cook and travel. Mostly, he never met a stranger and loved pursuing joyful adventures with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a noted purveyor of clove candies.