Donald C. Collins, 67 of 375 Kraft Hill Rd., Utica passed away at 10:47 P.M. Saturday December 8, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born October 20, 1945 in Franklin, he was a son of the late Carl W. and Katherine V. Robinson Collins.

Don was a 1963 graduate of Franklin High School where he played football and track.

Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from July of 1963 – February of 1967. He was trained as an electrician in the Navy and repaired the gyros on the submarines and ships. He was an IC3. He served aboard the USS Sierra AD18. Don also served in the United States Navy Reserves from February 1967 – July of 1979.

After serving in the Navy, he worked as a journeyman electrician for the IBEW retiring in 1987. He then began working for the Franklin Area School District where he served as Director of transportation, buildings and grounds retiring in 2008.

Don was a very patriotic man and loved the USA.

Family was everything to him and he enjoyed spending time with children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, canoeing and anything that had to do with being outdoors.

On February 26, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Barbara Garland, who survives.

Also surviving are three daughters; Donna Jo Jones and her husband Joseph of Oil City, Denise Rayane Pauley and her husband Nathaniel of Charleroi and Dianne Adele Fonzo and her husband Matthew of Franklin; five grandchildren, Jonah and Olivia Jones, Delaney Raye “Magic” Pauley and Aida and Lilli Fonzo; his mother in law, Velma Garland of Franklin; one brother, James Collins and his wife Mary of Meadville; one sister, Kay Ditzenberger of Fredonia and numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held for the family.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St., Franklin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Yolanda Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd, Meadville, PA 16335