Thomas Joseph Collins

Thomas J. “Tom” Collins, 76, of Athens, PA, passed away at home unexpectedly on April 1, 2024.

He was born on April 19, 1947, in Sayre, PA, the son of the late Carl J. and Elizabeth M. (Merva) Collins.

Tom was a life-long resident of Athens, graduating from Athens Area High School in 1967. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Scranton University and his Master’s from Elmira College. He taught 4th grade Science and English at Epiphany School from 1972–1996. Tom was a substitute teacher in both Athens Area and Sayre School Districts.

He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Athens and Church of the Epiphany in Sayre where he served as a lector in both. Tom was a member of the Board of Directors of the Sayre Historical Society.

Tom was an avid Philly’s fan. He read voraciously, especially history. His favorite pasttimes were woodworking, photography, gardening, and cooking. He was a proud and loving owner of several cats over the years, but Blossom, his first cat, was his favorite.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his niece Kimberly Collins, and his brother-in-law Ernest Daher.

Thomas is survived by his sister Cecelia Daher of Sayre, PA, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Laurie Collins of Essex, VT, nephew Michael Collins of Endicott, NY, nieces Colleen Collins of Colchester, VT, and Kathryn Szalda and her husband David of Glenmont, NY, great nieces Sarah and Anna Marshall, Grace Szalda, and great-nephew Thomas Szalda.   

A Time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 9:30am to 10:45am at the Church of the Epiphany, 304 South Elmer Avenue, Sayre, in the Church Hall. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11am in the Church with Fr. Daniel Toomey officiating.

Burial will follow at Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.

Memorial donations may be made in Thomas’s name to Bradford County Humane Society, US-220, Ulster, PA 18850 or the Sayre Historical Society, 103 South Lehigh Avenue, PO Box 311, Sayre, PA 18840.

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