Jan 11, 2025
Dennis H. Collins
Dennis H. Collins, passed Jan. 6, 2025 after a courageous fight with multiple myeloma with his family at his side. Born Aug. 27, 1950 in Buffalo, NY to the late Harrison and Rita Collins. Surviving are two daughters, Ruth Collins (Rory Mitchinson) of Nashville, TN and Leah Collins (Heather McEntarfer) of Fredonia, NY and his love, Cynthia Flaherty of Cassadaga whom he spent the last 22 years with. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Evan and Caroline Collins and Esme Mitchinson, as well as two stepchildren, Travis (Samantha) Flaherty of Newfane, NY and Meghan (Martin) Villa of Santa Clarita, CA and seven step grandchildren – Dominik, Norah and Brantley Flaherty and Makenna, Beckham, Callie and Cambria Villa. Also surviving is one brother, Jerry (Natalie) Collins of Buffalo, NY and several nieces and nephews. Others who will miss Dennis are his School #3 family, fellow Monticello historians, his Upper Crust coffee clutch, his neighbors and many, many friends. Predeceasing him are brothers Donald, Gregory and David Collins.
Dennis earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education and history from SUNY Fredonia and a Master’s degree in history from the University of Buffalo. He spent 50+ years in education at Dunkirk City Schools 3 and 4 and Jamestown Community College. He was a workshop leader for the Wright Publishing Group and a professional storyteller. He was the author of three mystery novels – “A Semester of Death”, “Death Calls the Dean” and “A Diversity of Death”. Dennis also produced an annual directory for the Cassadaga Lakes Association.
Past and present memberships include D&F Players (president), 1891 Opera House (board of directors), Cassadaga Lakes Association (past president), Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (board of directors), Village of Cassadaga Ethics Board and Citizens for a Better Cassadaga. Dennis’ many recognitions include a summer teaching position in Poland, a Fulbright Memorial Fund Recipient to Japan and multiple Fellowships to Monticello to study Thomas Jefferson. Dennis loved spending time with family, teaching, and was a voracious reader. He was a huge Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed watching sports in general. He especially enjoyed boating on Cassadaga Lake. He loved to chat with anyone – even complete strangers. He touched the lives of all he came in contact with.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Charitable contributions may be made to Cassadaga Lakes Association or Cassadaga Beach Program.
Online condolences may be made at larson timkofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON- TIMKO Funeral Home.
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