Francis “Fran” Albert Collins Jr., age 78, of Hambden Twp, OH, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022, at TriPoint Medical Center in Concord, OH. He was born in Cleveland, OH, on June 4, 1944, to Francis Albert and Harriett Murrell (nee: Miller) Collins and graduated from Euclid High School with the Class of 1962.Continue Reading
Francis “Fran” Albert Collins Jr., age 78, of Hambden Twp, OH, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022, at TriPoint Medical Center in Concord, OH. He was born in Cleveland, OH, on June 4, 1944, to Francis Albert and Harriett Murrell (nee: Miller) Collins and graduated from Euclid High School with the Class of 1962. After receiving his master’s degree in library science from Case Western Reserve University in 1976, he married Regina Marie Heisler on June 10, 1978. Fran worked for the Cleveland Public Library as a librarian for 53 years.
Fran loved his Lord and his family. He was a long-time active member of Chardon Christian Fellowship, serving as an usher for many years. He loved being in the woods with nature, reading, and traveling in the United States, Germany, and Ireland. A gifted amateur horticulturist, he grew blueberries and lush gardens. He also enjoyed playing games with or telling humorous stories to his grandchildren and sitting in front of his fireplace with a crackling fire.
Survivors include his wife, Regina, of Hambden Twp; sons Patrick Francis (Rachel) Collins of Chardon Twp., and Christopher David (Hannah) Collins of Hambden Twp; grandchildren, Sean, Emma, Ava, Fergal, Margaret, Killian, and Sylvester; brothers Wes (Nancy) Collins of Wake Forest, NC, and Miller (Kathi) Collins of Santa Fe, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Chardon Christian Fellowship, 401 S. Hambden St., Chardon, OH 44024.
The family will also receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, before the service. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hambden Cemetery.
Donations are suggested to the Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH, 44094, or to the Ohio Library for the Blind & Print Disabled, 17121 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, OH, 44110.
Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, OH. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com
Yelena Nedlina
left a message on December 31, 2022:
I am so sorry to know about the death of Mr. Collins. He was my former supervisor, and he also was my referent for many years since I worked at CPL in 2007. I feel that we lost such a wise, kind, generous, sincere, and educated person whom I greatly respected. My condolences to the family.
The Nortons
left a message on November 17, 2022:
Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family as you navigate through this difficult season. May the God above shine his presence of comfort on you and your Family. We pray for the Peace of God to surround you at all times.
God Bless you all!!!!
Craig Stenger
left a message on November 11, 2022:
It was a real treat to have been friends with Fran for a long time. He was charming, funny and a gentleman. RIP Fran. You will be missed by all of us.
Antonio Williams
left a message on November 10, 2022:
Sorry for your loss at this time. Please know he is not far away from you in your hearts and the memories you carry with him.
Timothy and Marianne Rohwer
left a message on November 10, 2022:
We are very sadden for his loss , we will miss him dearly, and we will keep him our prayers.
Susan Mullee
left a message on November 9, 2022:
Mr. Collins was my boss at the Memorial-Nottingham Branch. He was a kind, smart, and funny manager. He will definitely be missed! My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Donna Prude
left a message on November 8, 2022:
In memory of Francis “Fran”
Albert Collins Jr., Donna Prude lit a candle
Cathy Sweet & Geauga Jr. Genealogists & Memory Keepers 4-H Club
left a message on November 7, 2022:
Dear Regina and family,
On behalf of the 4-H Club you helped found and on behalf of the Sweet family, please know that I send much love and sympathy to you in the loss of Fran. Every time I met Fran and you, I was struck by how kind Fran always was to everyone. He has the rare gift of making you feel heard; what a great, sincere listener! Our loss here on Earth is truly Heaven's gain - and now they have a great Librarian to keep track of things up there! Yes, I am smiling at that fun thought!
Maryann innocenzi
left a message on November 6, 2022:
My condolences to Mr.Collins and his family.
Brittany
left a message on November 5, 2022:
Mr. Collins so friendly and mellow. He was one of the people who trained me when I started at the library in 2005. He was the librarian at the Memorial Nottingham Branch during that time. He will be missed. My condolences to you. God's comfort to you and your entire family.
Regina Smith
left a message on November 4, 2022:
We will miss you Fran until we meet again. You will not be forgotten. If you were here right now you would laugh at me because I have a bowl of weenies and beanies for you and 1,000 napkins !
We love you and will look out for your family ❤️
Aja Russo
left a message on November 4, 2022:
I have fond memories of working alongside Mr. Collins, he imparted wisdom and was always in good spirits. He will be missed.
Mikki Feliciano LaRocque
left a message on November 4, 2022:
We affectionately knew him as "Mr C". Mr C was the head librarian at Fulton branch when our mother, Elsie, worked there for many years. I remember him as kind and generous man to us children and an excellent friend to our mother who always held him in high esteem. Thank you, Collins family, for sharing your loved one with us. We will continue to hold him in our hearts and you in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Sommer previously Smith
left a message on November 4, 2022:
I met Mr. Collins at CPL as a sub for the library when he was the manager at Fulton Branch. He was truly a caring, funny and sweet man who I always looked forward to working with at the branch. I have many treasured memories of his compassion. He was indeed a huge asset to the Cleveland Public Library and will be missed tremendously. My sincere condolences to his wife and children. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the rest of us in the community.
Cassandra Feliciano
left a message on November 4, 2022:
Mr. Collins was such a wonderful person! I will always remember his humor, warmth, and soft spoken manner. I've known Mr. Collins since I was a kid and had worked with my mother at the Fulton Branch. I remember when they lost the key to lock the branch doors and I found it somewhere on the floor and he paid me a dime! I was pretty happy about that! Now working for the library too, I was always happy to run into him. He will always have a place in my heart and with the staff at CPL.
Helen Azusenis
left a message on November 4, 2022:
I have fond memories of Fran from times at the Cleveland Public Library. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Condolences to his family.
Red & Barb Ewing
left a message on November 4, 2022:
What a nice man. What privilege to have know him and his family. Had a great visit when he and Regina came to NC a mo. or two back. Just remembering all the Wendy's after church Lunches.
Mike Dominak
left a message on November 4, 2022:
Sincerest condolences to the Collins family. Met him @ CPL, and he was the the “Professional.” Great with patrons, staff and management. Peace be with you my friend.
Jamie Earlywine
left a message on November 4, 2022:
In memory of Francis “Fran”
Albert Collins Jr., Jamie Earlywine lit a candle
Arnold McClain
left a message on November 3, 2022:
My condolences to the Collins Families on the loss of Fran, a longtime co-worker.
Pastor Wayne and Sherry Sanders
left a message on November 3, 2022:
It has been one of our greatest privileges to not only be Frans friend but to Be his Pastor for the past 34 years. He was a true blessing. He was funny, gentle, kind and faithful and was loved by all. He will be greatly missed.,
Carolyn Lookabill
left a message on November 3, 2022:
Fran and Regina we’re neighbors of mine many many many years ago on Park Avenue. They were delightful neighbors and wonderful caring people. Sending condolences to the entire family.
Roberta E. Williams
left a message on November 3, 2022:
I met Fran at the Cleveland Public Library before I got my Masters in Information Science.
Fran was in General Reference and showed me the ropes. We became great friends and I introduced him to my sister, Regina, who he married.
Fran was gentle, had a great sense of humor and was immediately a great addition to the family.
I miss you Banino.
Ron English
left a message on November 3, 2022:
Greetings to all of the family and friends of Mr Fran Collins. I met Mr Collins shortly after I was hired by Cleveland Public Library in the summer of 2000 and to me, he is/was the definition of what a librarian is supposed to be! I have been with CPL now for over 20 years and he was far and away my biggest inspiration (better not let my mom see this considering she worked 33 years for CPL and was a good friend of Mr Collins's, ha-ha). When it came to service and wanting to see every interaction end on a positive note, Mr Collins was far and away the best at doing that. Every time I saw him, he greeted me with a big smile and a handshake and I will miss his gentle soul. May he rest in peace and power and I send this with all of the love and positivity I can. Peace.
WILLIAM F. SPENCER
left a message on November 3, 2022:
Fran Collins was my mentor and my first Branch Manager, Memorial Nottingham Branch, Cleveland Public Library. He assisted in getting me hired as a Library Assistant Substitute, wrote a recommendation for me to be accepted at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences and was an inspiration for me to continue my academic education. So it was because of him that I now hold two (2) master degrees that would aid in my professional career. I pray mightily to our Lord and Savior for his soul!
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Yelena Nedlina
left a message on December 31, 2022:
I am so sorry to know about the death of Mr. Collins. He was my former supervisor, and he also was my referent for many years since I worked at CPL in 2007. I feel that we lost such a wise, kind, generous, sincere, and educated person whom I greatly respected. My condolences to the family.
The Nortons
left a message on November 17, 2022:
Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family as you navigate through this difficult season. May the God above shine his presence of comfort on you and your Family. We pray for the Peace of God to surround you at all times.
God Bless you all!!!!
Craig Stenger
left a message on November 11, 2022:
It was a real treat to have been friends with Fran for a long time. He was charming, funny and a gentleman. RIP Fran. You will be missed by all of us.
Antonio Williams
left a message on November 10, 2022:
Sorry for your loss at this time. Please know he is not far away from you in your hearts and the memories you carry with him.
Timothy and Marianne Rohwer
left a message on November 10, 2022:
We are very sadden for his loss , we will miss him dearly, and we will keep him our prayers.
Susan Mullee
left a message on November 9, 2022:
Mr. Collins was my boss at the Memorial-Nottingham Branch. He was a kind, smart, and funny manager. He will definitely be missed! My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Donna Prude
left a message on November 8, 2022:
In memory of Francis “Fran”
Albert Collins Jr., Donna Prude lit a candle
Cathy Sweet & Geauga Jr. Genealogists & Memory Keepers 4-H Club
left a message on November 7, 2022:
Dear Regina and family,
On behalf of the 4-H Club you helped found and on behalf of the Sweet family, please know that I send much love and sympathy to you in the loss of Fran. Every time I met Fran and you, I was struck by how kind Fran always was to everyone. He has the rare gift of making you feel heard; what a great, sincere listener! Our loss here on Earth is truly Heaven's gain - and now they have a great Librarian to keep track of things up there! Yes, I am smiling at that fun thought!
Maryann innocenzi
left a message on November 6, 2022:
My condolences to Mr.Collins and his family.
Brittany
left a message on November 5, 2022:
Mr. Collins so friendly and mellow. He was one of the people who trained me when I started at the library in 2005. He was the librarian at the Memorial Nottingham Branch during that time. He will be missed. My condolences to you. God's comfort to you and your entire family.
Regina Smith
left a message on November 4, 2022:
We will miss you Fran until we meet again. You will not be forgotten. If you were here right now you would laugh at me because I have a bowl of weenies and beanies for you and 1,000 napkins !
We love you and will look out for your family ❤️
Aja Russo
left a message on November 4, 2022:
I have fond memories of working alongside Mr. Collins, he imparted wisdom and was always in good spirits. He will be missed.
Mikki Feliciano LaRocque
left a message on November 4, 2022:
We affectionately knew him as "Mr C". Mr C was the head librarian at Fulton branch when our mother, Elsie, worked there for many years. I remember him as kind and generous man to us children and an excellent friend to our mother who always held him in high esteem. Thank you, Collins family, for sharing your loved one with us. We will continue to hold him in our hearts and you in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Sommer previously Smith
left a message on November 4, 2022:
I met Mr. Collins at CPL as a sub for the library when he was the manager at Fulton Branch. He was truly a caring, funny and sweet man who I always looked forward to working with at the branch. I have many treasured memories of his compassion. He was indeed a huge asset to the Cleveland Public Library and will be missed tremendously. My sincere condolences to his wife and children. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the rest of us in the community.
Cassandra Feliciano
left a message on November 4, 2022:
Mr. Collins was such a wonderful person! I will always remember his humor, warmth, and soft spoken manner. I've known Mr. Collins since I was a kid and had worked with my mother at the Fulton Branch. I remember when they lost the key to lock the branch doors and I found it somewhere on the floor and he paid me a dime! I was pretty happy about that! Now working for the library too, I was always happy to run into him. He will always have a place in my heart and with the staff at CPL.
Helen Azusenis
left a message on November 4, 2022:
I have fond memories of Fran from times at the Cleveland Public Library. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Condolences to his family.
Red & Barb Ewing
left a message on November 4, 2022:
What a nice man. What privilege to have know him and his family. Had a great visit when he and Regina came to NC a mo. or two back. Just remembering all the Wendy's after church Lunches.
Mike Dominak
left a message on November 4, 2022:
Sincerest condolences to the Collins family. Met him @ CPL, and he was the the “Professional.” Great with patrons, staff and management. Peace be with you my friend.
Jamie Earlywine
left a message on November 4, 2022:
In memory of Francis “Fran”
Albert Collins Jr., Jamie Earlywine lit a candle
Arnold McClain
left a message on November 3, 2022:
My condolences to the Collins Families on the loss of Fran, a longtime co-worker.
Pastor Wayne and Sherry Sanders
left a message on November 3, 2022:
It has been one of our greatest privileges to not only be Frans friend but to Be his Pastor for the past 34 years. He was a true blessing. He was funny, gentle, kind and faithful and was loved by all. He will be greatly missed.,
Carolyn Lookabill
left a message on November 3, 2022:
Fran and Regina we’re neighbors of mine many many many years ago on Park Avenue. They were delightful neighbors and wonderful caring people. Sending condolences to the entire family.
Roberta E. Williams
left a message on November 3, 2022:
I met Fran at the Cleveland Public Library before I got my Masters in Information Science.
Fran was in General Reference and showed me the ropes. We became great friends and I introduced him to my sister, Regina, who he married.
Fran was gentle, had a great sense of humor and was immediately a great addition to the family.
I miss you Banino.
Ron English
left a message on November 3, 2022:
Greetings to all of the family and friends of Mr Fran Collins. I met Mr Collins shortly after I was hired by Cleveland Public Library in the summer of 2000 and to me, he is/was the definition of what a librarian is supposed to be! I have been with CPL now for over 20 years and he was far and away my biggest inspiration (better not let my mom see this considering she worked 33 years for CPL and was a good friend of Mr Collins's, ha-ha). When it came to service and wanting to see every interaction end on a positive note, Mr Collins was far and away the best at doing that. Every time I saw him, he greeted me with a big smile and a handshake and I will miss his gentle soul. May he rest in peace and power and I send this with all of the love and positivity I can. Peace.
WILLIAM F. SPENCER
left a message on November 3, 2022:
Fran Collins was my mentor and my first Branch Manager, Memorial Nottingham Branch, Cleveland Public Library. He assisted in getting me hired as a Library Assistant Substitute, wrote a recommendation for me to be accepted at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences and was an inspiration for me to continue my academic education. So it was because of him that I now hold two (2) master degrees that would aid in my professional career. I pray mightily to our Lord and Savior for his soul!
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence.
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.
