Mr. Edward F. Collins, age 77, of 501 Park Ave. entered into eternal rest on Monday morning, September 29, 2003 at St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford after a long illness. He was born on July 18, 1926 in Troy, NY, son of the late William Henry Collins who passed away on January 18, 1970 and Jessie (Start) Collins who passed away on December 27, 1989. Edward served his country with the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge. In October of 1967 Edward was united in marriage with Joanne Loefler in Pennsylvania. Edward was last employed as a salesman with Bull Brothers Inc. At one time he assisted in the operation of Collins and Frederick's gas station in Herkimer. He was a member of the Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915, a former member of the Herkimer Rotary Club, the Cedar Lake Country Club, and the Ilion Moose Lodge. Imbued with a great strength of character, Ed undertook all projects and fulfilled all responsibilities in his family life. He posessed a special quality that will always live on in the memories of his loved ones. Above all, his greatest joy was watching and caring for his grandchildren. In his leisure time he enjoyed swimming, playing golf, cooking and gardening. He is survived by his wife Joanne of Herkimer; five daughters, Barbara Collins of Herkimer, Linda Diehl and husband Shayne of Mohawk, Kim Maida and husband Louis of North Carolina, Kathleen Phaneuf of Florida, and Beth Johnson, five brothers, John Collins and wife Diana of Little Falls, James Collins and wife Darlene of Millers Mills, Charles Collins and wife Mary Ann of Herkimer, Richard Collins and wife Carol of Millers Mills, and David Collins and wife Kay of Jordanville. Two sisters, Ruth Whitaker of Gouveneur and Doris Miller and husband Richard of Herkimer, seven grandchildren, Leanne and Joey Maida, Marcus Galeotti, Caitlyn Diehl, Eliza and Rachael Phaneuf and Robert Johnson. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased in death by his brother William Collins on September 9, 2001 and a special sister Carole Ann Collins on January 2, 1947. The family invites relatives and friends to pay their respects at the Holleran-Enea Funeral home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 6-9 p.m. Ed's funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, October 1 at 10 a.m. from the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, officiating. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where he will be laid rest. Full military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy and the Herkimer VFW will present an honor guard. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider contributions in memory of Mr. Collins to the Dialysis unit at St. Luke's Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family offers their deepest gratitude to Ed's special friends, Jim Lynch for his endless care, and Micah, Brian, Vesna and Rori in the Allen Calder Wing at St. Luke's Healthcare. Also a special thanks to Massad and Allen in the St. Luke's Home and also to Bill who shared a room and many laughs with Ed and his family. Members of the Michael S. Pliseck Post #4915 are asked to gather at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 7pm to conduct their service.