Patrick Joseph Collins

Born August 15, 1960, in Newington, Connecticut
Passed 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.

5 entries.

Joe Skwara from Simsbury CT wrote on August 7, 2026:

Well, first things first, but Pat was always a lot smarter than me. He was such a great guy in high school and I am truly blessed to have been his friend. We lost touch and have only seen each other once since then, but he was a class act. After we graduated, he drove his parents van so that a couple of us could go to the Cape for a few days and have a memorable experience. He was funny as heck and 45 years later I still remember standing outside of his van when we were getting gas on the trip back and laughing like heck. Thanks for the keys Pat at the Rocky horror picture show. So glad that I got to know him and he absolutely is working on engineering stuff in heaven. God Bless him and his family.

Deborah Forbes from Littleton wrote on August 7, 2026:

I was so sorry to hear of Patrick's passing. He was one of my favorite cousins, although had not seen him in years. He definitely loved life and was one of the most generous people I have known. He was so good to his family. Rest in peace Patrick.

Fred Given wrote on August 6, 2026:

He was a great boss.

Robert & Noella Lapierre from Newington, Ct. wrote on August 5, 2026:

To all of the Collins family- It is with heavy hearts that we learn of Patrick’s passing. We are very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Happily we have many wonderful memories of time spent with your family . Bob & Noella Lapierre

Tim Farrell from Lucedale wrote on August 5, 2026:

God Bless brother. You made history