Edward S. Collins

Oneida-Edward S. Collins, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded with the love and support of his family at Rome’s Abraham House on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

He was born in Verona on May 22, 1936, the son of Kenneth M. and Shirley M. Sutherland Collins.

A life resident of the Verona-Oneida, Ted was a graduate of Vernon-Verona High School.  On August 12, 1960, he was united in marriage to Janet Cheverette.  Their loving union lasted 46 years until Janet’s passing in 2006. Together they raised their four cherished children.  Ted proudly served in the US Army from 1956-1962 having a tour in Germany, at the height of the Cold War. He had a vast knowledge of highway, and bridge construction and maintenance. Ted had ten years work experience as a Superintendent for Triple “C” Construction.  He later went on to work as the Public Works Department Foreman for the City of Oneida. Ted had retired from the Madison County Highway Department with 17 years of service, where he held the position of Construction and Maintenance Foreman.  Ted was also known as “Art” due to the fact he purchased the former Art’s Fishing and Tackle Shop in Oneida; later being renamed Art’s Archery.  A business he truly loved due to Ted’s enthusiasm for hunting and fishing.  He operated the shop for over 54 years and helped many people become proficient archers.  Ted had won many awards for his community involvement to include: Silver Service Award presented by the Holly Cross Academy, the CSEA Service Award for Experience, and the SHOTS Recognition Award.  He was also a life member of the Oneida Police Benevolent Association and a life member of the Verona Fire Department. Ted was an avid deer hunter and outdoorsman. His memberships included: NYS Rifle and Pistol Association, NRA Scope, 2nd Amendment Foundation, NYS Conservation Council, Atlantic Fish Creek  Salmon Club, International Watch FOB Association, Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, White Tails Unlimited, and the NYS Bow Hunters Association.  In 2020, Ted received the NYS “Outdoorsman Hall of Fame Award.”  Ted had many interests and passions throughout his life, he never lost sight of his love of family, and will always be remembered as loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved children; Tracy A. Collins (Jack Walter) of Wampsville, Thomas (Anna) Collins of Oneida, and Todd A. (Lynne) Collins of Munnsville; his daughter-in-law Sherry Collins of Brewerton; his cherished grandchildren: Thomas R. Collins, Shane Collins, Page Collins, and Ethan Collins; great grandchildren: Casper, Harper, Keeley, Easton, and Quinlan; his sister Constance Reed of  Oneonta; his longtime companion Betty Curro of Oneida; several nieces and nephews.  Ted also is survived by all the friendships he created as he traveled the “highway” of life.

Ed is predeceased by his parents, Ken and Shirley, his beloved wife Janet in 2006, and his beloved son Timothy A. Collins in 2018.

There will be no calling hours.  Ted’s family will gather privately for graveside services with military honors at Valley View Cemetery.  Personal and professional care is being provided to Ted and his family is being provided by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Coolican-McSweeney & Paul Funeral Home.  To leave a condolence or view the full obituary, please visit: coolican-mcsweeney.com

Please consider a donation in Ted’s name to help to support these organizations that were dear to him, they include: Abraham House, 417 N. Washington Ave., Rome, NY 13440, or Hospice And Palliative Care of New Hartford, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, N.Y. 13413. 

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