In Loving Memory Chuck Collins - Fundraiser

Evening,

     Brings tears to my eyes and a ache to my heart to both My sister Melaney Collins & myself; Katie Collins that our Dad, Charles “Chuck” Collins passed away February 10, 2023 in the early hours of the morning at only 66 years old. Too young! Couple weeks leading to this day, Our Dad’s health, due to his long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, began to decline so much faster than either one of us were prepared for. Dad spent his last days at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI. We were very pleased with the treatment they provided and the comfort as well. We both are sad that we did not have enough time but we each did get that opportunity to speak alone with him and tell him our own personal words that we needed to say. Although He could not speak or open his eyes we knew he heard us.

Our Dad was unfortunately diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 18 Years ago. Although symptoms set in 21 years ago. This Disease stole half of his life from him. Chuck Collins was a Fighter his Whole life.... Even when the parkinson’s was causing him such pain & his body was beginning to work against him.

Unfortunately there were no prior financial plans made for when he would no longer be with us physically. This left both my sister and I in a very hard position. We are both single mother’s who are struggling ourselves. Most people are aware of the extent of End of live expenses but still shocked us. Our original plan was to ask the VA for any help they may provide but we found out that they only perform cremation if that person was going to buried on Military Cemetery Properties, & only would cover a small portion. Our Dad ALWAYS made it VERY clear that he wanted to be laid to rest with his Son, Ryan. At the Wheeler Cemetery in N. Stonington where the rest of the Collins Family is Laid to rest. Out of everything that I wish I could give my father to honor him. This, this is what he deserves, to be with not only his middle child; his Son, Ryan but all of his Family. This is the reason why my sister & I decided to create this, because there is just no way we could possibly afford these Expenses. Gaffney & Dolan Funeral Home is guiding us through this devastating process and the cost of everything.

Chuck was born & raised in Westerly, RI. Our Dad knew SOOOO many people and I never met a single person who had a negative word to say about him. I was ALWAYS SO PROUD that Chuck Collins is my Dad!!! Not only My sister Melaney & I are grieving at this time, but also his three grandkids, Desiree Collins, Alana & Neko Saieta. Who were all very close with their Grandpy!! Nothing more my Dad loved then being with his Grandkids and being so proud of them. Unfortunately last years of his life he was unable to do the things he wished he could with them & us due to the Parkinson’s. Our Dad had so many daily worries and struggles just getting around and trying so hard to deal with a life of a Man who’s Body & Mind was being taken from Him by this horrible disease.

We would like to take this moment to say we apologize and feel for anyone who may see this or even they don’t and who is dealing with Parkinson’s Disease & our prayers are with you.

Firstly We want to say with our whole hearts, to anyone and everyone who are able to donate to give Charles Chuck Collins, Our Dad  the a memorable Graveside Funeral Service, with Full Military Honors. Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 12pm. At the Wheeler Cemetery North Stonington, CT. I will attach his Obituary at the end our Story. Any Funds that are donated will go towards all of the Expenses, Gaffney & Dolan Funeral Home, The Grave side fees, transportation, and much more. As I know everyone is aware of the average cost of any Funeral Services.

That being said, the help anyone could offer would not be taken lightly by our Family!! We are extremely grateful to even have a source, such as this one to be able to reach out for this help. To give A man who was so many things, A Veteran, A father who loved his kids with his whole heart, a Grandpa who would have the brightest smile on his face just to be spending time with them, A friend who would give the shirt off his back for any one of them, even strangers.

For anyone who are able to make any donations, information on how will be explained. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED, to have this time to just Grieve and not be terrified on how we could handle this; which would break our heart, each and everyone would be in our thoughts and prayers for the rest of our days!!! 

 

Thank you so much for taking time to read this & again Thank You from Chuck Collins’ Daughter’s and Grandkids for any help you could provide. God Bless!!!!!  

 

Sincerely & Gratefully, 

Katie Collins & Melaney Collins