Robert W. Collins
Robert W. Collins, better known to family and friends as Rip, passed away peacefully at home on November 06, 2022 at the age of 100. He was married to his late wife B.C. for nearly 73 years.
After graduating from St. Rita High School, he enrolled at the University of Notre Dame where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Class of 1943. Upon graduation he served in WW2 in the U.S. Navy’s 71st Construction Battalion (SeaBees) and was stationed in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Okinawa. Rip returned home from the war to marry B.C. McHugh in Zachary, Louisiana. They settled in Chicago where he established the R.W. Collins Co. in 1946. Rip and B.C. were longtime parishioners at St. Cletus in LaGrange.
Rip was as kind and generous as they come – a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. Those who knew and loved Rip will remember him as a quiet and humble man with a quick sense of humor. He and B.C. shared a passion for family, friends, and golf in LaGrange, IL and Amelia Island, FL.
He was preceded in death by his wife B.C. and his son-in-law Jeff Anderson. He will be deeply missed by his devoted family: children Bill (Patty) Collins, Ann Collins, Kim Collins, & Alisa (the late Jeff) Anderson; grandchildren Mary Beth (Wes) Matheney, Jackie Collins, Lisa (Greg) Kruse, Steve (Divina) Collins and Meredith, Ben, & Mac Anderson; and great-grandchildren Rip & Warren Kruse and Jack Matheney.
Rip’s family would like to offer their sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude to his outstanding caregivers, Chris Bengua and Wendel Casino.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Good Shephard Manor in Momence, IL (goodshepherdmanor.org) or to the Evans Scholar Foundation (wgaesf.org).
A visitation will take place from 9:15 a.m. until the time of Mass, 10 a.m. at St. Cletus Parish, 600 W. 55th St., LaGrange, on Friday, November 11. Those unable to attend in person may view the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/stcletusparish. Interment Bronswood Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500
Darling Lisa, Bill, Ann, and Kim,
The Collins family has been part of our family, in many ways, for a long time. Your father was a strong and gentle man, and your mother – beautiful, kind and gracious. Lisa, you know that you were like my second daughter. Beth always wanted a sister.
Thinking about the wonderful Collins family.
Love – Nancy, John, and the Kenneys