Dennis Michael Collins, 73, passed away on Monday January 29, 2024 at The Greens of Hickory nursing facility, following a period of declining health.

Dennis was born July 24, 1950 in Rochester, NY; son of the late David F. Collins and the late Genevieve (Joyce) Sequin Collins, and brother to Christine Ghinazzi of Victor, NY, Vincent Collins (Fran) of Plymouth, MI, and David Collins, Jr (Jeanne) of Pittsford, NY.

Dennis was a proud graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School, and St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, and spent over 35 years working for New York State, primarily with the Office for People with Development Disabilities in various budgeting and finance capacities.  After retirement, he relocated to North Carolina.

Dennis had a passion for cooking (and was particular about his food!), always had the prettiest flower gardens on the street, and treated his many dogs over the years like his children.  He also enjoyed DIY projects around the house, walking, golf and bowling, water skiing in his earlier years, baseball and softball (including coaching), and spending time with family (including marathon length phone calls!).

Surviving are his former spouse, Kathleen Collins of Selkirk, NY, two daughters, Sarah Florczyk (Bill) of Denver, NC, and Erin Pietrocola (Frank) of Altamont, NY, and son, Michael Collins (Sacha) of Coxsackie, NY.  Also surviving are his 11 grandchildren, of which he was so proud: Braeden, Brynn, and Aubrey Florczyk, Silas, Elijah, Tristan, Isla, and Giulio Pietrocola, and Caleb, Lillianna, and Adelynn Collins.  Dennis is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws as part of a large extended family.

A memorial service will be planned to honor Dennis’ memory at a future date.