Robert J. Collins passed away at Newton Health Care, on Thursday May 15, 2008. He was 75 years old. Robert was born in Somerville, attended St. Clements High School in Somerville and has lived in Melrose for over 40 years. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Mr. Collins worked for over 30 years as a salesman for a rose grower in the Boston Flower Market. He was an avid Bruins fan, like to play horseshoes, love travelling to Maine in the summer and has been a longtime member of Incarnation Church in Melrose. Robert coached pop warner football in Melrose for many years and was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus in Somerville. Loving husband of Ann E. (Shea) Collins. Devoted father of Melrose Police officer Joseph F. Collins, Patricia A. Sullivan & her husband Bryan all of Melrose, Nancy E. Collins and Brian J. Collins & his wife Stacey all of CA. Grandfather of Brianna & Madalyn Sullivan, Reilly, McKenna & Reagan Collins. Brother of the late Joseph P. & John A Collins and Ann Marie Angelo. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Tues. May 20th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Monday 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall St. 19th Floor, NY, NY 10005.