Obituary: Remembering the late Tommy Collins of St John's Park and Ard na Greine, Waterford

The death has occurred of Tommy Collins, late of St. John's Park, Waterford City, and formerly of Árd Na Gréine, who passed away on Wednesday, October 7 with his loving family by his side. 

Tommy's passing comes just months after he and his beloved wife Evelyn celebrated an extraordinary milestone, marking 70 years of marriage. 

The occasion was a fitting tribute to a couple whose lives together spanned six decades, built on love, family and enduring commitment.

The couple married in June 1955 at Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank. 

A dedicated worker, Tommy spent more than three decades employed as a boilerman with Clover Meats until the company's closure in 1984. 

He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family. 

Tommy was a proud nephew of the renowned Collins brothers who served during the First World War, and he took great pride in his family's history and heritage.

Reflecting on the secret behind their long and happy marriage when celebrating their anniversary, Evelyn offered simple but heartfelt advice: "Live life day by day."

Tommy Collins will be lovingly remembered by his heartbroken wife Evelyn; his daughter Catherine; his sons David and John; his beloved grandchildren Eddie, Caroline, Sarah, Leona, Yvonne, Maya and Layna; his adoring great-grandchildren Rhys, Ted, Andrew, Leo, Fiadh and Tommy Jnr; his sister Nellie and his brother Jack; and his daughters-in-law Christine and Aoife. 

Mr Collins will also be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

His reposal will take place at Falconers Funeral Home, Tramore, X91TW21, from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, October 9. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects. The family kindly request privacy at their home as they mourn the loss of their beloved Tommy. 

Tommy's Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday, October 10, at 9.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly, Waterford. His funeral cortege will walk from Lower Grange at approximately 9.10am to arrive for Mass.

Refreshments will be served in the Parish Hall from 10.30am following the funeral liturgy before the family departs for Cork later that day.

In accordance with his wishes, Tommy will be cremated at The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, at 4pm on Saturday.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, may be made to Waterford Hospice.

The Collins family wish to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Oak Ward and University Hospital Waterford for the exceptional care, kindness and attention shown to Tommy throughout his illness.

May he rest in eternal peace.