With hearts full of love and eyes full of tears, we announce that Joseph "Joe" M. Collins of Green Harbor passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 86. In true Joe Collins fashion, he held on until he was good and ready to go, stubborn to the very end.

Born in Roslindale to Jeremiah and Bridie Collins, Joe was raised in a home where Irish Catholic values weren't just taught, they were lived. He grew up alongside dozens of Carney cousins, forming bonds that would last a lifetime as their parents had all made the brave journey from Ireland to build a new life in America.

A proud graduate of Don Bosco Technical High School and attendee of Wentworth Institute, Joe served his country for 8 years in the Army Reserve as a heavy equipment operator at Fort Drum, NY.

For 50 remarkable years, Joe was a dedicated member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local Union #67/327, working for Suffolk Construction and the Fish Family. His talented hands helped shape Boston's skyline, leading high-profile projects including the Suffolk County Courthouse, Massachusetts State House, JFK Federal Building, and the West Broadway Housing complex.

In 1964, Joe married the love of his life, Carol Doherty, beginning a love story that would span over 61 years. They started their journey together in Hyde Park and Norwood before finding their forever home in Green Harbor in 1972, where they would raise their four children with the same strong Irish Catholic ethics that formed the bedrock of Joe's character.

Joe leaves behind his beloved wife Carol; his children Kevin Collins and his fiancé Lori Mansfield of Green Harbor, Joseph Collins Jr. and his wife Lynne of Quincy, Theresa Sheehan and her husband Patrick of Quincy, and Kerry Collins of Quincy; as well as his daughter-in-law Laurie Collins of Marshfield. His legacy continues through his 7 grandchildren Tara Fiore and her husband Nick, Patrick, Julia, Michael, Jamie, and Katelyn Collins, Kieran Sheehan, and 2 great-granddaughters Harper and Mila, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss his larger-than-life presence. Joe was predeceased by his parents Jerimiah and Bridie Collins and his sister Ann and survived by his sister Geraldine Rowley. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law David Rowley.

Anyone who knew Joe knew of his passions: his Sea Ray boat lovingly named "Carol Anne," his pristine 1972 Ford LTD black convertible, and perhaps most famously, his impeccably green lawn that was the envy of Green Harbor. Neighbors could set their watches by Joe's lawn-tending and car-washing schedule, and Heaven better be prepared for a serious landscaping upgrade.

Joe was a long-standing member of the Green Harbor Yacht Club and served as a Vice Commodore and Treasurer.  He was also active in the Webster Island Beach Association, and Our Lady of Assumption Church. He found joy in life's simple pleasures: listening to Irish music that connected him to his roots, reading the newspaper front to back, savoring Coffee Shack coffee, indulging in Brigham's ice cream, and puzzling everyone with his insistence on wearing dock-siders in the winter as his "winter boots." His signature look—a pink polo shirt and khaki pants—will forever be embedded in our memories.

Above all else, family was the center of Joe's universe. He was never happier than when hosting parties, family reunions, and dinners at his Green Harbor home. The twinkle in his eye as he watched four generations gather around the table was a sight to behold. He was the life of every party, cocktail in hand, ready with a well-timed prank or joke that would have everyone in stitches—all while occasionally dropping pearls of wisdom delivered with his characteristic Irish whisper.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable man—builder, boater, car enthusiast, lawn perfectionist, but most importantly, husband, father, grandfather, and friend—we find comfort knowing that somewhere, there's now a perfectly maintained corner of Heaven with an immaculate lawn, a gleaming car, and a stubborn Irishman who loved deeper than words could express.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, 40 Canal Street in Marshfield. Burial will be in the Mayflower Cemetery of Duxbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the VA Boston Heathcare Fund, Donations used to support special needs of Veterans receiving blind rehabilitation services online at: VA Boston Donation Portal (please specify Blind Rehabilitation (GPF 5103), and/or the Perkins School for the Blind, by mail to: 175 N. Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or online at: https://www.perkins.org/