William Francis Collins, 73

DAGSBORO - William Francis Collins of Dagsboro, formerly of Montville, N.J., died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, in his home. He was 73.

He was raised in Plainfield, N.J., son of the late Helen Marie Lyons Collins and William Francis Collins.

Mr. Collins graduated from Seton Hall University and was an executive of sales for the welding and specialty gas industry for over 40 years.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Mr. Collins is survived by his loving wife, Mary Mitzi (Miltner) Collins; three sons, William M. Collins and his wife Elise Delaney Collins, James E. Collins and his wife Sue Gay Collins, and Daniel J. Collins and his fiance Kerrilynn DeRosa; a daughter, Catherine Ann Collins Kelly and her husband Robert Kelly; a sister, Helen Marie Preyor; six granddaughters, Sloane, Rory, Molly, Mackenzie, Corley and Jane; grandson, Patrick Collins; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Ann's Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930.

Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Dagsboro.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Beebe Medical Center Building Fund, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Ocean View.