John J. Collins

John Jeremiah Collins.   November 12, 1937 – April 20, 2024

John, 86, passed away on April 20^th at his home in Martinez surrounded by his family.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.  John was born in Richmond, California and lived in Pinole as a young man. He attended St. Patrick- St Vincent Catholic High School in Vallejo and the University of San Francisco.  He joined the US Army and was a reservist for 5 years. John had a lifelong passion and love of cars.  Throughout his 50-year career in the automotive industry, he worked at Val Strough Chevrolet in Oakland, Delta Chevrolet and Connell Automotive.  He enjoyed working in his yard, dining out with his friends, and spending time with his family.  John’s generosity touched many and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara.  He is survived by his children: Mary Denning (Jay), Francis Collins and Margaret Collins, and grandsons, William and John Denning.    

Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill on Monday, May 6^th at 10:30am with burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in John’s memory to St. Patrick St. Vincent Catholic High School, 1500 Benicia Road, Vallejo, CA  94591 or https://spsv.org/donate-now