Frederick G. Collins, Jr.

Frederick George Collins (Freddy) , 71, a proud veteran of the U.S Army, passed away after a brave and courageous battle with pancreatitis and a short fight with Cholangiocarcinoma cancer on December 21, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family in Johnston, Rhode Island.

Freddy is remembered as “A good man.” A selfless, generous and brilliant man who used his considerable talents to enrich and to contribute to the lives of others. He gave so much to everyone he met. His genius energy, sense of humor and enthusiasm for things he cared for was infectious. Freddy enlisted the service in 1969 to be sent overseas to the Vietnam war; where he served two tours with the first air Calvary as a combat engineer. The U.S. Army recognized and decorated him for his honorable service; and provided him with two Army Commendation Medals for his diligence and determination. He was honorably discharged in October of 1972. Freddy was also a member of DAV, and former VFW Post 1271.

He was a man that can “do it all” followed by being employed in the RI Department of Labor, “Hoisting Engineers Union”, construction, The Central Landfill, by the former Providence Civic Center, and his own “ We do it” Painting in which he spent most of the years in his prime before becoming disabled. His work ethic will forever be remembered and instilled in our future generations.
Fred above all loved the summer months and prided himself on having a luscious vegetable garden, with the best tomato plants! Given his generosity and kind heart, he’d love to share his vegetables with his friends and family. On a warm summer day, you’d recognize him tinkering between the rows of his garden, perfecting his already green lawn, or walking Molly (the family pup) along Morgan Avenue in his pajama pants and muscle shirt followed by a little nap! He was also fond of slot games on his iPad, western movies, UFC/MMA fights, oldies classics, his all time favorite was George Jones.

In his younger years, he enjoyed mushrooming, playing poker, and spending time with friends at local establishments through out town. He was also an avid fisherman; both fresh and salt water and enjoyed natures ponds and lakes throughout Rhode Island.
Darlene (Disegna) Collins was the love of his life and he loved her with his entire heart & soul. Fred selflessly provided for Darlene and their family throughout the years and made sure they never went without a thing.

Darlene and Fred raised Dawn, their first daughter whom he loved adored and then 17 years later, came Dana Lee his pride and joy, Daddy’s little girl, they had an unspoken bond from Dana’s birth until the minute of his passing which will forever be cherished in Dana’s heart.

Freddy is preceded in death by his mother, Gloria (Chinquanta) Reinhart; mother and father -in -law Pasqualina (Cipalone) Disegna, Anthony (Sam) Disegna and many friends who were like brothers throughout the years. 

Freddy is survived by his beloved wife Darlene of 44 years; sister Gail (Collins) Aitchison (Allen) of Fort Myers, Florida, and brother Lenny Collins (Lisa) of Johnston, Rhode Island. Sister -in law Karen (D’Alessio) Jankowski and Brother -in -law Joe Jankowski of Johnston, RI.

Daughters, Dana Lee Collins of Johnston, RI, Dawn Scetta (Mike) of North Providence, RI, son, Freddy (Nicole) Collins of Warwick, RI. He was the proudest “Papa” to the following grandchildren, Samantha, Tyler,Michael, Daisha, Roman, Jayda. Along with numerous nieces and nephews. And, of course most loving grandpup Molly. 

We will miss him dearly and thank God for the time we had him in our lives.

“It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later.”

Committal prayers, Military Honors and burial will take place Friday, Dec. 30, at 1:30pm at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. (Family and friends are to gather at 1:15pm at the assembly area near the entrance of the cemetery.)

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frederick G. Collins, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.