Daniel James Collins

Daniel J. Collins, Sr. September 16, 2024 Age 85 Born on June 27, 1939, Daniel J. Collins, Sr. lived a life devoted to his family and his faith. The son of Theodore and Bertha Collins, Dan lived a wonderful life that started in the neighborhoods of Northwest Detroit around St. Mary of Redford School & Parish. Dan attended grade school at St. Mary before attending high school at Detroit Catholic Central High School. Dan was so proud to be a Shamrock and a member of the CC - Class of 1957. Dan was a loyal and loving teacher having earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Eastern Michigan University. His teaching career began in 1962 at St. Scholastica School in Detroit and ended in 2000 with Livonia Public Schools. Dan spent 33 years shaping the lives of elementary school students at Hull School in Livonia. In addition to his classroom work, Dan spent nearly 40 years teaching the youth of Livonia the art of driving an automobile as a Drivers Education Instructor for Livonia Public Schools and later at the Wolverine Driving School (Livonia). Together with wife Barbara, Dan’s lifelong focus was always his children and grandchildren and he made every sacrifice he could to give them the best life and education possible. He was very committed to the care of his oldest daughter Katie who was born in 1964 with Down Syndrome. Education, Activities, Special Olympics were a staple of their life together. A lifelong advocate for people with special needs, Dan never missed an opportunity to serve others. Dan was the loving husband of Barbara and father of son Dan, Jr. (Mary), daughters Bridget (Mike) Wassermann and Mary Clare Brick. Devoted Grandfather to: Patrick Collins (Amelia), Daniel Collins, Maura Wassermann (Justin), Emilie Wassermann, Sean Brick, Megan Brick, Quinn Brick, Casey Brick. He was caring brother to: Joan Baer, Larry (Cathleen) and the proud Uncle to many nieces, nephews and Friend to many. Dan was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Katie, his Mother and Father, Brother Ted and Ted’s wife Barbara, Brother in Law Charles Baer, Sister Gerry and her husband Tom Payne and nephews Tom Payne, John Payne. Visitation at the O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi 248-348-1800, Sunday September 29, 2024, 3 pm - 8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm. Instate at St. Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 Haggerty, Plymouth, MI 48170 Monday September 30, 2024, from 10:00 am until the funeral liturgy at 11:00 am. Inurnment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery In tribute to Dan the family requests memorial gift consideration to: Special Olympics of Michigan (www.somi.org) or Detroit Catholic Central High School (www.catholiccentral.net)

Daniel James Collins

June 27, 1939 - September 16, 2024