William Gerald Collins, Jr.

William Gerald Collins, Jr. was born in Bradford, MA on December 3, 1946. A veteran of the Vietnam war, he passed away on March 31, 2025, in Haverhill, MA. Beloved son of William Gerald Collins, Sr. and Sophie Collins (née Fenenko), he is survived by his loving partner and wife of 28 years, Doña Collins (née Bride), his adored daughter, Erin Collins-Moore, son-in-law, Gregg Moore, and grandson Grant Moore. He was so truly proud of them all, and especially cherished his grandson and their culinary field trips to the North End.

Known for his warmth, sense of humor, and brilliance at trivia nights and Jeopardy, his generosity of spirit knew no bounds. He cherished his many life-long friends, who affectionately knew him as “Yogi.”  An avid reader and lover of the classics, it seems appropriate to quote one of his favorite authors, Hunter S. Thompson, as we reflect on his impact and his ethos: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body… but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: ‘Wow! What a ride!’” Yogi had a true joie de vivre, savoring the good things and sharing them with the people he loved: inspired cuisine, ample libations, great music, and a bountiful garden.

His lifelong work as a surveyor embodied his love for exploring, adventuring, and discovering, cutting his teeth surveying in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire in his foundational years, and the North Shore of Massachusetts through his extended career. His sense of boundless adventure was sated sailing the waters of the Gulf of Maine with dear friends and family, from which many entertaining stories were retold. Equally, his indelible connection to Squam Lake was an anchoring point for him and his family who spent countless, fleeting summers there over the years. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother, Paul Tremblay, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, and his nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him as “Uncle Gerry.”  Always up for an adventure, he was there to support with love and open ears. He was as proud of his family and friends as he was of his Ukrainian heritage and will live on in our hearts forever. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

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