Donald G. Collins, 88, of South Street, passed away on May 2, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born the son of the late Harold L. and Leona (Lewis) Collins on August 6, 1932 in Belfast. On April 9, 1955 he married Barbara A. Doner, who predeceased him, after fifty-nine years of marriage, on February 19, 2015.
Donald spent his younger years growing up on the family farm in Friendship however, he spent the majority of his lifetime as a resident of the Belfast area. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict and was a member of the Seabees battalion in the Pacific theater. Upon his return, he became a 1964 graduate from Alfred State College of Agriculture.
He was always working, including at Worthington Corp. in Wellsville, and the NYS DOT, from which he retired as Foreman on February 18, 1988. He also owned and operated a Case Dealership in Belfast, and was a self-employed contractor. He was an avid motorcyclist, at the age of seventy-five, he and his brother took a cross-country motorcycle ride. Beyond his careers, he was also a member of the Robert Howden American Legion Post 1504 of Belfast for over fifty years, and a member of the Honda Gold Wing Club.
He is survived by: three daughters, Laurie (Wayne) Symonds, Janie (Mike) Harrington, and Amber (Jeff) Craig; nine grandchildren, Howard (Heather) Lyon, Kyle (Shannon) Lyon, Casey (Margaret) Symonds, Andrew (Alicia) Symonds, Kristen (Joseph) Burress, and Trevin, Corbin, Alexa, and Kira Craig; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Rodney (Louise) Collins of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by: a sister, Gladys Williams.
At this time a memorial service is being planned for a later date. Burial will take place in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Belmont, beside his wife. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com
