BORN

1957

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Demaine Funeral Home - Springfield

5308 Backlick Road

Springfield, Virginia

Edward Collins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 2, 2015.

February 5, 1957 – July 29, 2015

Beloved husband of Jean Ann; devoted father of Brendan and William; cherished brother of Jane Richstein (Jonathan) and Robert Collins (Leanne Russell); and also survived by many additional extended family members and friends, passed away on July 29, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Collins and Nancy Jane (Brady) Collins.

Ed was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up there and in Springfield, VA. He was a life member and past Chief and Vice-President of the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department. For most of his professional life, Ed worked for the Fairfax County Government, most recently as an IT Manager with the Fairfax County Police Department.

Friends welcome for visitation on Tuesday, August 4, from 6-8 pm at Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 5, at 10am at the Church of the Nativity, in Burke, VA. Interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. Friends welcome at gathering following interment at Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department Bingo Hall, 7011 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150. The bingo hall is at the intersection of the Franconia-Springfield Parkway and Backlick Road. The entrance is at the south end of the building next to the largest part of the parking lot.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ed's memory to the American Heart Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Collins

What is your first memory of Edward?

Share a favorite memory you have of Edward.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Edward.

Describe a time when Edward made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Edward?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Edward.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Edward.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Edward.

What is something you learned from Edward?

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2016

Dave Berchtold

To the Collins Family,

We just found out about the loss of Ed. We knew Ed best through Cub Scouting. We did not know Ed well, but he impressed us with his care and presence at activities for his boys. We will miss him. God Bless and we are forever with you should you need any help.
The Berchtolds (Dave, Sharon (Pohl), Zach, Alex, and Nathan. [email protected])

August 18, 2015

Dave Cobb

Ed and I worked together for many years in the IT Bureau. As much as I appreciated his IT knowledge, I valued his friendship, sense of humor and wonderful outlook on life even more. God's blessing and comfort to Jean Ann, Brendan and Will.

August 10, 2015

Mitch Filipowicz

Our condolences to the entire Collins family. Dad and I served with Ed at the GSVFD...Ed always had a warm smile and a hearty laugh as he helped his community...for many, many years. A kind and giving man, he is missed by all. Please find peace and solace in the memories.

August 7, 2015

Rolland Watenpaugh

It was sadness that I heard of Ed's passing. It was a pleasure working with Ed for the better part of a decade at the FCPD ITB. My condolence's go out to Ed's family on their loss. Ed will be missed by many.

August 6, 2015

Jon Sheard

Was a great boss.

August 5, 2015

Brenda Allen

Ed was a wonderful co-worker, and a good man.....So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to comfort your family.

August 4, 2015

Bill and Linda Bingham

To Jean Ann and Ed's entire family, we send our deepest condolences. Please know our family is praying for you during this time. We send you love and prayers.

August 4, 2015

Leslie (Martin) Harper

I am so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. I graduated with Ed and we were on the yearbook staff together. He was a wonderful photographer! Hoping your memories keep him close at heart and sustain you in the days ahead. God bless!

August 4, 2015

Rose and Frank Armour

Dear Jean Ann, Brendan, William and the rest of the family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed will be missed.

August 4, 2015

Jean Ann and family, I am sorry for the passing of Ed, he was such a friendly and dedicated person to all when needed help. He surely will be missed. My prayers goes out to you and your family, May God continue to comfort you in all your ways, and I hope you will find peace within.

Love in Jesus Christ,

Beatrice Chapman, FCPD Employee

August 4, 2015

Dennis Johnson

My sincerest condolences to the family. Our thoughts are prayers are with you all.

August 4, 2015

Lisa Salvetti

Jean Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

August 4, 2015

Edwards Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean Ann, Brendan and Will. I'll miss the the lunches and camaraderie I had with Ed!

August 4, 2015

Heather Hendrickson

I am so sorry for your loss. Jean Ann, Brendan and Will you are in my thoughts and prayers.

August 4, 2015

Yvonne Bates

Sending my deepest condolences to Jean Ann and her family. Gone way too young. May Ed always rest in peace. God Bless.

Yvonne

August 3, 2015

Maria Reiff

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family during this very difficult time. Que Dios le bendiga. May God bless you and your family. The Reiff family.

August 3, 2015

Irene Ilachinski

I send my sincere condolences on Ed's passing. We never met him, but we see what a wonderful man he was, and we are sure his loss is felt by all. We send blessings to his family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Andy, Irene, Noah and Josh Ilachinski

August 3, 2015

Cindy Beres

Ed is too young to be taken from all of us. A very talented, intelligent, and calm man. A great teacher and friend. I will truly miss our talks. Ed talked so lovely of his family. He was so proud of his sons. May you find the strength to get through this terrible time of sorrow. God bless you all! Cindy Beres (FCPD IT Bureau)

August 3, 2015

Michelle Sclater

Our hearts go out to Jean Ann and all of the family. Although we never met Ed, I am sure he was a great man, husband, and father. Sincerely, Michelle Sclater

August 3, 2015

Our prayers are with you during this time. Sincerely, John and Ann Brady Marchant

August 3, 2015

JT Frey, WSP FCPD

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Ed was always there to help and answer any IT question and it was because of him and a few others that the PD Station IT Program came to be in existence. I will always be grateful for Ed's help and his great personality. Ed will surely be missed!

August 3, 2015

Martin Brady

Condolences from Nashville, TN. All my love to Jane, Robert and the extended Collins/Brady clan.

August 2, 2015

American Heart Association

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

August 2, 2015

Andrea Edelstein

Ed was a great friend and a wonderful neighbor. We will always treasure the fun times we had with him and appreciate his friendship and support. He always had a smile and was fun to be around. The boys, the deer, and I will all miss him. Jean Ann, Will, Brendan, and Gigi, words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. May memories of happier times together and the love and support of family and friends help you through. Rest in peace, Ed.

August 2, 2015

Jim & Genevieve Kirk

May we continue to be blessed by Ed's life long work in public safety. Ed...a husband, father, colleague and friend you will always be missed and not forgotten!

August 2, 2015

Paul Gauthier

Attended school with Ed. Good guy. Sorry for the loss! Paul Gauthier

August 2, 2015

Greg King

I went to high school with Ed ( class of 75) and served with him at Greater Springfield VFD. Ed was a good friend and he will be missed!!

August 2, 2015

Paul Lof

So sorry to hear about Eds passing. I served with Ed at the GSVFD in the 70's and worked in FCFD with him. He was a great man and will be missed.
May God bless your family and comfort your family as you go through these difficult days. Keep on looking up and may we celebrate his life in his honor. P.Lof

August 2, 2015

Kenny Wolfrey

Jean Ann and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.

August 2, 2015

Lessie Langan

Jean Anne, Will, and Brendan; Dorsey's and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult and sad time.

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

Make a Donation
in Edward Collins's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Edward Collins

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Demaine Funeral Home - Springfield

5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151

How to support Edward's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Edward Collins's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more