Obituary: Christopher Robert Collins
August 5, 1964 – December 21, 2024
May 2, 2025
Christopher Robert Collins, 1964-2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Christopher Robert Collins of Brandon, Florida, who passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2024, at 60 years old.
Chris was born on August 5, 1964, in Montpelier, Vermont to the late William T. and Claudette (Slayton) Collins of Waterbury, Vermont.
He was beloved by his wife, Wendy, and his four children, Cassandra, Riley, Damian, Christian, and stepson Andrew, as well as his two grandchildren, Carson and Callie. His passing is also mourned by his siblings Debbie, Billy and his wife Jayne, Scott and his wife Lori, Mari-Pat and her partner Norm, and Kevin and his wife Tina. Chris will also be missed by his eight nieces and nephews, Desiree, Jeswyn, Kevin, Michael, Codi, Tanner, Casey and Brooke. He is mourned as well by his son-in-law, Jordan, whom Chris loved spending time with and thought of like a son.
Chris and his siblings grew up on Butler Street in Waterbury and they enjoyed life in a small but dynamic town. They remember Chris as being smart, independent and strong-willed. Chris knew his career path early in life and never wavered. His older siblings also remember being tasked with putting Chris to bed. He would wrap his legs around their legs or wrap his sister’s hair around his fingers so that they couldn’t leave anytime soon. His brother, Scott, misses the numerous conversations that they had on Friday-Sunday while he was traveling and in between stops performing his mobile radiology tasks.
He graduated from Harwood Union High School in 1982, at the same time that he was working part-time in the Vermont Army National Guard. Chris transferred into and pursued a career in the United States Air Force. He traveled in the initial few years in the USAF but was stationed for most of his career at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. He retired as a master sergeant from the USAF after 27 years of service. Chris took on the challenge of returning to college after retirement to become a radiology technician in the Tampa area, which he accomplished and then worked in this field for the last three years.
Chris really enjoyed riding his Harley and he and Wendy would often take day trips. They especially would go to Disney for a day or two to spend time with each other. They also liked to go to flea markets and enjoyed entertainment at the Medieval Times Dinner Show and going to the Islands of Adventure Water Park. Chris developed a love for dogs later in life when he got his first dog, Buddy.
His eldest child, Cassandra, is currently enrolled in full-time college, working towards her degree in psychology. His three youngest children are all boys, so Chris became a Scoutmaster for 10 years. Chris was very proud of the fact that each son became an Eagle Scout. Riley works and lives near the family home and enjoys spending time with his brother, Christian, Mom, Wendy and three dogs. Damian is in his fourth year as a Senior Airman in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Medical Technician stationed in Las Vegas. Christian will be graduating from high school in May 2025 and plans to pursue a college degree. Chris was a strong advocate and encouraged all of his children to continue their education. As Cassandra says that Chris often said, “The harder you study, the luckier you get.”
A small memorial service will be held in Brandon, Florida, for family members and close family friends. The Boy Scout Troop will present the flag of the Boy Scouts of America and the flag of the United States Honor Guard. Chris will be buried at his request in Brandon, Florida.
Anyone wishing to share condolences may send mail to The Collins family, 1235 Franford Drive, Brandon, FL 33511.