Joseph Collins, beloved husband, father and great friend passed away in Barnstable on May 27, 2023.  He was ninety-four. Joseph is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Katherine Collins (O'Shea), and his son Timothy.

Joseph was born in Cambridge in1928. His family relocated to Arlington, where he spent his early years.  Upon graduating from Arlington High School he enlisted in the United States Navy serving aboard aircraft carriers; USS Valley Forge (CV45) and Philippine Sea (CV47).  He was a veteran of both WW II and the Korean conflict.  After leaving the Navy he went on to work as a contractor for the US Government and enlisted in the United States Air Force reserves, where he attained the rank of Chief Master Sergent.

Joseph, or as all his friends and family knew him as, "Whitey" (a nickname that remained with him throughout his life), was an exemplary husband to his wife Kay as well as a great father to his son Timothy.  Whitey was an avid reader and a consummate student of history, especially the Civil War.  He never stopped learning and encouraged his family to do the same.  Whitey enjoyed sitting on the porch in Marshfield on the lounge chair with a good book.  His compassion for family and animals was evident. An avid sports fan of our local Boston teams, this year's Bruins loss was a tough one to swallow.

Whitey will be deeply missed by those who knew him, but I am sure he will remain the hearts of those whose paths he crossed.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday June 8, 2023 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield, followed by a Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. at St Ann by the Sea Parish Church, 591 Ocean Street in Marshfield. Interment will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information including a link to the livestreamed funeral service, please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com