FLY CREEK – In the early morning hours of Thursday, May 21, 2026, Perry “Pete” Collins, Jr. of Schuyler Lake and Fly Creek passed away peacefully at Chestnut Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Oneonta surrounded by his partner, Angela Harrington and his loving family. He was 79.
A native of Delaware County, Pete was born
February 17, 1947, a son of Perry Collins, Sr. and Jennifer “Jennie” C. Mondore
Collins. He attended South Kortright Central School.
Throughout his life, Pete was known above
all for his “open door policy.” There was always room at the table and coffee
ready.
Pete is survived by his family: James and
wife, Lisa of Schuyler Lake, Joan Collins of Yorkville, Judy Collins of Austin,
Texas, and Jeff and wife, Amber of Sherburne; grandchildren Mykahla Collins and
Mike Jones of Gansevoort, Maverick Collins of Richfield Springs, and Andrue
Lewis of Sherburne; Sue and Leo Balboni of Chicopee, MA, Jayson Balboni, Tyler
and fiancé, Liz of Chicopee, MA, Alyssa and Samuel Houle of Palmer, MA, Scott
and Melinda Harrington of Richfield Springs, and Kate and Nate of Nanticoke, PA;
and great grandchildren, Jax of Palmer, MA, and Avery of Nanticoke, PA
Pete is further survived by two brothers,
Charles and Bob and wife, Peggy; a brother-in-law, Butch Bender and an uncle,
Bill Mondore.
He was predeceased by his parents, Perry
and Jennifer Collins; his spouse, Maxine Collins; a sister, Geraldine “Gerri”
Bender and a sister-in-law, Eileen Mondore.
For 30 years, Pete worked in shipping and
receiving at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and then in
retirement he volunteered during Hall of Fame Induction weekends.
Pete loved the outdoors, and worked at
Melinda’s Garden Barn for a few summers and helped out at the Fly Creek Cider
Mill.
He was an avid country-western music
lover, and an overall friend to all.
Family and friends are invited to pay
their respects on Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2026, from 2-3 p.m. at the Connell,
Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
At 3 p.m. a service will be held at the
funeral home, with the Rev. James Crouthamel officiating.
A private service of committal and burial
will follow in Schuyler Lake Cemetery, after which all are invited to The Lake
House Restaurant on County Highway 22, Richfield Springs, for a time of
refreshment and fellowship.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fly
Creek Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 89, Fly Creek, NY 13337, in memory of Perry Collins, Jr.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
