Peter B. Collins

Lexington - Mr. Peter B. Collins, Esq., of Lexington, died at home on Sunday, May 19, 2013. He was 66.

Peter was born in Waltham on July 28, 1946 a son of the late John C. and Mary L. (Bergin) Collins. He graduated from the former Saint Mary's High School Class of 1964. Peter earned his Bachelor degree from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Class of 1968 where he was a proud alumnus. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University. He served in the Army Reserves. On September 15, 1973 he married Joan F. Bemis in Saint Eulalia Church in Winchester and their love affair continued until his death. They lived many years in Waltham before moving to Lexington over 15 years ago.

Upon graduation and appointment to practice law, he joined his father, John, in his practice located in Central Square in Waltham where he worked for over 40 years. His integrity, skills, and kindness earned him the respect of his clients, who often thought of him as a friend.

Peter had a terrific sense of humor and is remembered as a humble man whose needs were simple. He loved being a dad to his children, Matt and Tara and was doubly blessed with the birth of his grandchildren, MacKenzie and his late grandson Ty. He loved to exercise and keep active. He was a dedicated runner and completed a Boston Marathon in the late 1960's. Peter also enjoyed New England sports, especially the Celtics and Patriots.

In addition to his wife of almost 40 years, Joan, he leaves his children, Matthew P. Collins and his wife, Heather, of Aurora, Illinois and Tara M. Collins of Staten Island, New York; his granddaughter, MacKenzie Collins; his siblings, John C. Collins Jr. of Waltham, Michael L. Collins of Concord, Timothy J. Collins of Tuscon, Arizona, Anne M. Collins and her husband, Larry Lynch, of Yarmouth, Maine; his in-laws, Cathy and John Romeo, Pat and John Stegelmann, Tom and Stephanie Bemis, all of Needham and Rick and Joanne Bemis of Burlington; many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Peter's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, May 22nd from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Brigid's Church, 2001 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in Peter's memory may be made to VNA Care Network & Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.