Obituary of Roland J. Collin

It is with heavy hearts and deepest love of the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, Roland J. Collin. Roland was born in New Britain on May 26^th, 1947 to the parents of Leonide and Rolande Collin. Roland attended New Britain schools and graduated from E.C. Goodwin Technical School in 1965 as a carpenter. Roland advanced his draft and went into the U.S. Army in Feb. 1966 and received an honorary medical discharge in March of 1967. He worked at C.C.S.U. as a carpenter, then a supervisor II for 37 years, and made numerous friends.  

Roland loved his cottage in Eagle Lake Maine he helped build with his Dad in 1965. He loved fishing, taught his four boys to fish, drive the boat, water ski and to enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of Maine. Roland always enjoyed spending time with his aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends in Maine.

Roland retired at age 56 years old and was able to enjoy 17 years of his retirement. He enjoyed his pontoon and the UTV rides on the trails in Maine. It was so much fun to have his son’s family and grandchildren stay at the cottage. At night, always a game of tock.

He was predeceased by his parents Leonide and Rolande Collin. Roland is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Joanne Greco Collin; his four sons who he loved with all his heart, Robert and Karen Collin, Bryan Collin, Greg Collin and his fiancée Jennifer Luther, and Timothy and Michelle Collin also Michelle Waller; grandchildren Daniel, Jodi, Emily, and Julia Collin; Roland’s mother in law Anna E. Greco, brothers in law Ken Greco and wife Susan, Roger and Susan Greco. Sisters, Janet Greco and Elaine Collin.  His constant companion and shadow Darla, his black pug, who was very faithful and loving to Roland. Roland also leaves aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

We want to thank BH ER staff and Dr. Gentile, Life Star Crew, St. Francis ICU Med/Surg staff. Dr. Sharpiro, P.A. Peter, Lori, Sean Dr. Manny and his R.N. George and many more MD’s. You made us feel we were your family. The compassion, care, communication, dedication to your skilled knowledge to Roland was just beyond words. We can’t thank you enough for the dignity you gave Roland in passing and private time you gave us.

Father Grey visited Roland and was able to comfort us. You are such a blessing to us that Roland is with God and is peaceful. We thank you.  We also want to thank Fresenius Dialysis in Newington, Ct Laura Johnson RN who is a gem and a credit to her profession. Dave Gadzik, Steve Bogatz, Midge Fusci and Dr. Z. Ebcioglu for the care and love that they gave to Roland was so outstanding. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday (March 16) starting 9amfrom the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Square New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10am at Divine Providence Parish (St. Peter’s Church) 98 Franklin Square. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery 1141 Stanley St. New Britain. Visitation will be held Friday (March 15) from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers please consider giving a donation to American Juvenile Diabetes Association of CT & Western MA 260 Cochitvate Rd, #200 Framingham MA 01701 or National Kidney Foundation 1463 Highland Ave, Cheshire, CT 06410.