John T. Collins, 79, a forty-year resident of Garden City, NY, passed away the morning of March 30 after a brief illness, with his beloved Gloria by his side. With sadness we grieve his loss, and with joy we celebrate his life.

John was born to John and Mary Collins — not to mention his big sister and lifelong friend Cathy — in Astoria, Queens on January 18, 1947. Raised in both Boston and Whitestone, Queens, John attended Holy Cross High School before putting himself through Queens College, becoming the first member of his family to achieve this educational distinction.

After serving proudly as a Marine reservist, John soon joined the firm of Margolin, Winer & Evens, where he would remain for the rest of his distinguished career as a certified public accountant. A longtime partner in the firm, he was known for his diligence and his brilliance, as well as his ubiquitous pipe and unconventional hairstyle. He served as both President and Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Garden City, helping give back to the community that had given him so much.

A self-made man who lost his own father at a tragically young age, John was a doting and devoted dad to his three children, Sean, Ryan, and Caitlin. A warm and happy presence throughout their childhoods, he taught them to love good comedies, hate bad Yankees games, and crank the volume on his impressive rock and roll record collection. After putting his children through college, his support for them remained both boundless and selfless for the rest of his life.

In retirement, John lived life to the fullest, usually wearing one of his trademark sport jackets. He was a lover of live music, pinot grigio, and the island destination of Turks and Caicos, to which he travelled regularly. John made new friends easily, while still treasuring the ones who’d been by his side for decades. But he never seemed happier than when he was with Gloria, whose love for him is clear to all who knew him.

John is survived by his beloved Gloria; his sister, Cathy; his three children, Sean, Ryan, and Caitlin; his seven grandchildren, Helena, Michaela, Allison, Owen, Collin, Franklin, and Luke; his nieces, Laurie and Lisa; his brother-in-law, Hank; his daughters-in-law, Julia and Sara; his son-in-law, Greg; and his step-daughter, Amanda.

During good times, John’s witty Irish presence brightened every room he was in. During bad times, his love, wisdom, and support were unshakeable. He was deservedly proud of the life he built for himself and his family. He will be deeply missed, but he lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.