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 Brian Collins, 74
 November 09, 2023
Brian Anthony Collins, 74, of North Adams passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 9th at home. He was born in North Adams on July 11, 1949, to the late Clayton and Josephine (Pisano) Collins.
He graduated from the former St. Joseph High School and from Berkshire Community College with a degree in Fire Science. Brian was a retired firefighter from the North Adams Fire Department. He was also very proud of his established family business, New England Chimney Specialists, which employed his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He was well known for his dedication to the local YMCA and National AAU wrestling programs. He was also coach of the Drury High School wrestling team for numerous years. He traveled the country with his youth programs and hosted several wrestling events in the area including foreign exchange and professional wrestling events.
Brian enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Diane. They were known to travel to a different country annually. He loved taking his entire family, including grandchildren, on luxurious vacations to make sure they experienced things they may never be able to do on their own. Everyone in the family knew to call “Poppy” no matter what the issue because he would always solve the problem. He will be deeply missed by all.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Diane (Girard) Collins, whom he married on February 14, 1970. He also leaves a daughter Michelle (Jack) Racette and a son Kurt (Joey) Collins. He leaves one sister, Sandra Collins; six grandchildren including Justin, Danielle, Collin, Reece, Jude, and Braden; six great-grandchildren including Jade, Leros, Jasmine, Jace, Jackson, and Parker. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Jeanne Harvey, Antoinette (Try) Hean, Renee (Sean) Mullett; his mother-in-law Patricia Girard; and several nieces and nephews.
At Brian’s request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside burial will take place at the family plot at Southview Cemetery on Monday, November 13th at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AYJ or Pop Cares through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA. 01247 To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
Diane, Michelle and Kurt and your entire family, my deepest condolences. I have a lot of old memories of Brian. He sure did like to have fun. He was such a nice man. God bless you all???
| | from: Michelle Alcombright | on: 11-21-2023 |
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| Diane, Jeanne, and family, I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Brian's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. | | from: Glenn and Sandy Girard | on: 11-20-2023 |
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I was so sorry to just hear Brian has passed away. We were such great childhood friends. I cannot believe. He is no longer here. He will be greatly missed.
Tony Simonelli | | from: Diane | on: 11-20-2023 |
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Diane, My deepest condolences.
Pat Markland | | from: patricia markland | on: 11-18-2023 |
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| Kurt and Joey, Jeff and I are so sad to hear of your Dad's sudden passing. Please know our sincerest condolences are with you. | | from: Christine Naughton | on: 11-15-2023 |
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Diane: I am so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. Glad we had chance to speak today. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. SO Glad you are surrounded by your entire family during this time. Please take care of yourself.
Rick and Diane Shakar | | from: Richard Shakar | on: 11-14-2023 |
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Dear Diane and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Brian passing. He was such a wonderful person, and gentle in spirit. God Bless. You are all in our prayers.
Barb and Butch Schmidt | | from: Barb Canale-Schmidt | on: 11-14-2023 |
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Michelle & Kurt,
Deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your families.
Lisa Lincoln | | from: Lisa Lincoln | on: 11-13-2023 |
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| Our deepest sympathy to you all our prayers are with you. Brian will be missed by all who knew him | | from: Joanne and Joe Alcaro | on: 11-13-2023 |
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| Very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was not only an excellent coach at Drury High School but also a first class person. May he rest in peace! | | from: Tom McGrath | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Justin, Michelle and family-
I am so sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. Justin, I know how much you loved him and that he was your best friend. I pray that you guys find peace and know that we all love you and are thinking of you all.
Love you brother,
Tara, Tony, Rhiannon and Neko | | from: Tara stracuzzi-malloy | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Dear Diane and family,
Shocked and saddened to hear of your loss, our loss. Brian was one of a kind and we loved that about him. Sending you love and condolences and wishing you peace. Sincerely. | | from: Pat Labendz | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Dear Diane,
I am truly sorry about your loss. I remember Brian from high school as such a nice guy. I saw him in later years when he came to check out my chimney; still the same funny nice guy.
Sarah | | from: Sarah Morse-Field | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Dear Diane, Michelle, Kurt and family: My sincere condolences to all of you. I know that you are all hurting so much right now and I am sending my love, prayers and support. I pray that the wonderful memories you have of your life with Brian will help to comfort you during this very difficult time. With sympathy and love
Carla (Daugherty) Holness | | from: Carla (Daugherty)Holness | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Michelle,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of your Father's passing. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. May you be comforted by your special memories of him. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. | | from: Deb Felix | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Kurt, my condolences to you and your family...
Herman Bishop | | from: Herman Bishop | on: 11-13-2023 |
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I was heartbroken to learn of my friend’s passing. There are no words other than I will miss him and touching base and hear where he’s traveling to or how great things are with the family. He was an honest honorable man, true to his word and good to people. He built a reputation of quality and honesty in his business dealings and I relied on him many a time for his knowledge and expertise.
Till we meet again my friend!
My deepest sympathy to the entire Collins family. Brian will be missed but never forgotten! | | from: Jonathan Hornbeck | on: 11-13-2023 |
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| Diane, Jeanne and family, my deepest condolences on Brian's passing. I knew him when we were young; he was always fun and full of warmth and laughter. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May wonderful memories help you as you grieve. | | from: Mireille Couture Roy | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Diane and family,
Sorry to all Family and Friends of
Brian.. He was a great guy!
Fred | | from: Fred T. Thompson | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Dear Diane, Kurt & Michelle
Sending loving thoughts and prayers to you and all of the family. May all the great memories he made with you all be the strength to help you through this difficult time. Rest in peace Brian. You will truly be missed by many.
| | from: Deb Jones | on: 11-13-2023 |
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| Diane& Family: So sorry to learn of Brian's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. | | from: Sandy& Tony Mirante | on: 11-13-2023 |
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| Diane& Family: So sorry to learn of Brian's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your. | | from: Sandy& Tony Mirante | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Diane & Family
We are so sorry to hear of Brian's passing . Remember working along side of him when he was with NAFD and I was at NAPD.
He did a great job there and in his business. may he RIP | | from: Ellen & Craig Millard | on: 11-13-2023 |
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| Diane,What a shock and heartache this must be for you and your family. Our condolences to all of you. ? | | from: Sue&Tom Bleau | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Dear Diane, Kurt ,Michelle, Joey, Jack and rest of the family, so sorry to hear about Brian ! He was a great and funny man.
Cherish your memories. Love and hugs to you all !! | | from: Kristi Guetti | on: 11-13-2023 |
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To All of Brian's Loved Ones
We were so very sad to learn of Brian's
passing. Brian was quite the character & always had
something to say which would make you laugh. Please
know that we are thinking of you all during this most difficult time. Sending you our love, hugs & prayers.
Randy & Linda Kemp | | from: Brian Collins | on: 11-13-2023 |
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Dear Diane,Kurt,Michelle,Joey,,Jack and rest of the family,
We are saddened to hear of Brian's passing. Dennis had known him almost all of his life....Freeman School neighborhood..etc. Good memories. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this sad time. Special hugs to kurt,Joey, and Michelle. | | from: Dennis lefave | on: 11-12-2023 |
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| Diane and family, so very sorry for your loss. May memories of his love carry you through these difficult times. ??? | | from: Roberta Curran | on: 11-12-2023 |
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To Brian's family,
We are so sorry for your loss. | | from: Pam & Tom Kidder | on: 11-12-2023 |
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Diane and family, our heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Brian. RIP Brian
Gwen, Woody and Todd Boillat
| | from: | on: 11-12-2023 |
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| So very sorry for your loss Diane Brian was a great guy and he will be missed | | from: Teri and Mario Alcaro | on: 11-12-2023 |
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Diane, Michelle, Kurt and family,
Our condolences to all of you as you say good bye to such a wonderful man,husband,father,grandfather,great grandfather and friend. So many funny and great memories to hold.
With much love,
Kathleen, Ernie,Hannah and John | | from: Kathleen | on: 11-11-2023 |
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Oh! Diane, I’m so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I’m sure this is devastating for you, Michele and Kurt not to mention the rest of your family. He so adored his family. May he rest in peace.
We are so sorry for your loss.
John and Carol Greenbush | | from: Carol Greenbush | on: 11-11-2023 |
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| So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers. | | from: Maureen Catelotti | on: 11-11-2023 |
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To the Racette family,
Our hearts are breaking for You because of the loss of your Dear Father. We are praying your multitude of wonderful memories will help you all through this painful time. | | from: Bonnie Whitney | on: 11-11-2023 |
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| Diane and family, my condolences during this difficult time. | | from: Bonnie Mathers | on: 11-11-2023 |
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Diane and family,
Sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. | | from: Lorraine Mancuso | on: 11-11-2023 |
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Dianne, Sandy, Michelle, Kurt and Family-
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Brian your beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was truly one of a kind and will always be remembered as having a great sense of humor and a person
of great generosity. He was always available to help in any way he could, if he couldn't take care of a situation, he knew someone who could. May God bless and give you strength during this difficult time.
Cousin Jim Morocco & Carolyn Larabee | | from: Jim Morocco | on: 11-11-2023 |
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| Diane, my heart breaks for you and your family. All the prayers will help get you through. I will miss Brian giving me crap every time I saw him. May he rest in peace. | | from: Nancy Sacco | on: 11-11-2023 |
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Such sad news. An incredible man. He will be missed by many. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Sharon and Charlie | | from: Sharon DeMyer Nemser | on: 11-11-2023 |
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Please accept my sincerest condolences Diane. :(
Brian will forever remain in our hearts and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched. Sending so much love to the entire family <3 | | from: Josie Melendez | on: 11-11-2023 |
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| Diane and Family, so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Blessings and prayers for you all. RIP Brian. | | from: Joyce and Mark Lincourt | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Joey,Kurt,Jude,Braden,Diane
Love to you all at this difficult time? | | from: Dina Poplaski | on: 11-10-2023 |
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| Diane, Michelle, Jack, Kurt and the whole family, I am so deeply sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I had the pleasure of waiting on him and his wonderful wife many dozens of times over the years, and no customer brought me so many belly laughs. We shared the sidelines at so many youth basketball games and he just made it a joy to be near him. Brian was a genuinely great guy and Lee and I are both truly saddened for the whole family. May his memory be a blessing to you and and may you find some moments of comfort at this awful time. | | from: Lee & Molly Guest | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Diane
I am sorry for you and your family's loss,My condolences go out to all of you in this time of need.May he rest in peace. | | from: Tom Ostrander | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Diane
Sending you and the family my love and condolences at this very hard time . May you find peace and live in the memories spent throughout the years !!! | | from: Tracey McDermott | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Diane and Sandy, I am very sadden my the passing of Brain
He was a great and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and the family | | from: Nanette Schmidt | on: 11-10-2023 |
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| Diane and family, we are so sorry to learn of Brian’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. ???????? Judy & Jim Roberts | | from: Brian Collins | on: 11-10-2023 |
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So sorry to hear about Brian. Our condolences to Diane and the family.
Gloria, Chuck, Steven and Colin Felix | | from: Gloria J Felix | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Diane,michele,kurt,
My deepest sympathy goesout to.you and your extended fsmily. Imet Brian in high school, hanging out with his friend brien lussiers sister. He was so protective of us girls as
We explored playgrounds,dances and football games. You could always count on Brian to have your back. My heart weighs heavy for for you through these difficult days ahead.Hold tight to your memories and look for his signs, they will always be there for you.
| | from: Nancy walker | on: 11-10-2023 |
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| So sorry to hear this news, God Bless you all and may his soul Rest in peace. 5 years back I ran into Brian at a Mass Ave breakfast place. What a treat speaking with him after many years. | | from: Phil Lefevre | on: 11-10-2023 |
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and the cavalcade of loss continues, sadly, stopping at the Collins home this time.
Diane, Sandy, Children, and Family members... please accept my condolence's and wishes that Faith, Prayers, and the sorrow from Brian's extensive network of friends might off you all the support and strength to process his loss. Godspeed on the journey home my friend! | | from: Steve Heelan | on: 11-10-2023 |
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To Brian’s family,
Wishing peace during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Julie Blanchard | | from: Julie Blanchard | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Cousin Brian- Such a good soul!
Condolences to family and friends who all will remember his kindness, generosity, and love of all.
Vin & Margo | | from: Vincent Melito | on: 11-10-2023 |
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| Diane. I am so sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. I remember Brian as a kid growing up on Marietta street. I remember Sandy too. We had to keep an eye on Brian as he had a “wild side” We all had a good time though in the good old days. You and the family are in my prayers. Kathy (Corsi) denault. | | from: Kathy denault | on: 11-10-2023 |
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| So sorry, such a nice family | | from: CHRIS DESNOYERS | on: 11-10-2023 |
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Diane and family,
I was very sorry to hear about Brian. I have fond memories of Brian during our years at St. Joe’s. I always considered him a good friend. May he rest in peace. Jim | | from: Jim Wol | on: 11-10-2023 |
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