Patrick Joseph Collins
Born August 15, 1960, in Newington, ConnecticutPassed away August 3, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Patrick Joseph Collins, 65, passed away Monday, August 3rd, 2026. He was at his home in Melbourne, Florida with his wife, Dinah Ross. As he would have wanted, Pat passed on quickly—he lived fully to the final day, with plans to enjoy his upcoming birthday on a trip with family and friends in the upcoming days.
Pat was born in Newington, Connecticut, to John and Peggy Collins. He was the oldest and the leader of the six rowdy Collins children, from childhood on Lexington Circle through their adult years. Pat graduated Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1983. He worked in aerospace engineering at Northrop Grumman for over 40 years. Although he never made good on his long-held promise to retire, Pat continued to enjoy his free time with friends and family, flipping houses, enjoying NASCAR and football, and traveling.
Pat is survived by his two children. His son, Sean Patrick Joseph Collins, 33, also resides in Melbourne and has worked for several years alongside Pat at Northrop Grumman. His daughter, Katharine Claire (KC) Collins, 32, and her husband David Richard Gremling, 32, work as lawyers and live in Chicago, Illinois. They are expecting Pat’s first grandchild this winter.
Pat is survived by his wife, Dinah “Pooh Bear” Ross, and their fearsome, toothless pitbull Dolly. He is also survived by his large and loving family—Kevin Collins, Timothy Collins, Maureen and Bryan Bourgoin, Mary-Kate Collins and Ardit Hasani, and Micheal Collins, as well as his many loving nieces and nephews.
A wake will be held on Friday, August 7, from 5-7 pm, at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 11 am, at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at the Pineda Inn, in classic Pat fashion.
