Daniel Lee Collins Sr

DIXFIELD – Daniel Lee Collins Sr., 76, of Dixfield, passed away May 11, 2025, of Wegener’s disease and a brief battle of CMML Leukemia. His wife, son and daughter were by his side for several days until his passing which left us with profound sadness.

Dan was born in Rumford on April 12, 1949, the middle son of Donald A. and Leitha (Dougherty) Collins. He was a 1968 graduate of Dixfield High School and attended Ricker College in Houlton. He began his work career at Stowell-MacGregor in Dixfield, accounting department, then Otis Paper Mill in Jay for most of his working years, ending his career at Verso Paper, Jay.

He was married at St. Theresa’s Church in Mexico to Rebecca (Jasud) Collins who survives.

Dan had several interests but what he loved most were sports. In high school he participated in football, baseball, and ice hockey. Following high school, he continued playing baseball on the local town team. Independent of team sports he enjoyed playing golf and playing tennis several summers in Weld. He liked following the Red Sox, NFL football and most especially the Boston Bruins. He enjoyed fishing, years of hunting and hunting trips with family and friends, long walks in the woods and later years walks in town.

Dan was a diehard Dirigo Fan but also happily supported Mt. Valley sports having both Cougar and Falcon grandson sports teams. We always had to be sure he was wearing the right school sweatshirt and hat logo before leaving home depending which school event he was attending.

Dan’s contentment and happiness was living a quiet life of raising his two children and having four grandsons he adored. He was a wonderful dad and loving grandfather. As a dad, he was interested in everything his children did, followed all their activities, he loved them unconditionally. His favorite times were following the grandsons who participated in everything from sports, improv acting to championship trap shooting. He was a proud grandfather. Along with his family he spent 48 summers at camp in Weld. Those years were the best, giving him and his family memories of a lifetime.

What can’t be underestimated is 53 years of family gatherings where he shared in all the happy times, the sad times, the things that happen within families which keeps people close.

Dan loved Dixfield, the town he lived in his entire life. His town meant a lot to him; he grew up knowing everyone and a good friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed his daily walks in town and stopping to talk with neighbors along the way. He couldn’t imagine living anywhere else other than Dixfield.

Dan is best described as a quiet man. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, a man of integrity in everything he did, respectful of everyone. He lived his life honorably.

He will continue to be loved and missed by his wife, Rebecca of 53 years; his son Daniel (Dan) Collins Jr. and wife Stacey of Peru, his daughter Sara Brennick and husband Mark of Rumford Center; grandsons Isaac and Ian Brennick and Drew and Deryk Collins; his mother-in-law, Beverly Jasud of Mexico; his sister- in-law, Marion Collins of New Limerick, brother-in-law Michael Jasud and wife Kathleen of Rumford Center. his sister-in-law, Nancy Mercier and husband Wayne of Roxbury Pond; several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his older brother Donald and younger brother James; his father-in-law Donald Jasud.

The family wishes to thank Rumford Oncology, Jordan, Sophie and Miranda. CMMC nurses Rena, Catherine, Ellie and Maddie for their exemplary care of Dan and a special heartfelt thank you to CNA Tiffany and Michelle, you were wonderful to him. Thank you to Jackie Fournier of Hospice, who was there at a time when we needed her most of all. Thank you, Jackie, and thank you Dr. Ross.

Friends and family are invited to go online and share memories with the family at: http://www.meaderandson.com

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday June 6, 2025, at the Parish of the Holy Savior, St. Athanasius St. John’s Church, 126 Main Ave. Rumford, ME. Reception following. Private family burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Dirigo Athletic Boosters (Dirigo High School

145 Weld St.

Dixfield, ME 04224 and

Mt. Valley High School Booster

799 Hancock St.

Rumford, ME 04276