WORCESTER – Ronald Arthur Collins, 74, of Worcester died suddenly Monday, July 17, 2006, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.

He was born June 23, 1932 in the town of Seward, Schoharie County. Ron was the youngest of 14 children of Elmer D. and Eliza M. (Gossweiler) Collins.

Ron was a United States Navy veteran.

He retired from Grumman's Aero Space in Bethpage after 32 years of employment.

Ron is survived by his beloved best friend and companion, "Rosey" Rosemarie (Mary) Chesla of Worcester; one brother, Gerald Lewis Collins of Pennsylvania; three sons, Ronald Jr., John Peter and Michael David; two daughters, Kathleen and Patricia Ann; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren, Lucas and Coty, all of Long Island; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by nine sisters, Orlena Hagadorn, Francelia Christie, Mildred Mesick, Laura Lindsey, Ruthellen Rickard, Gertrude Hadsell, Doris Tillapaugh, Jean Eakin Guay, and Wanda Bradley; three brothers, Archie, Elmer and Roger.

Ron had a grand life and will be sorely missed by his family and friends of "The Crows Nest". May he rest in peace.

There will be no calling hours and a private memorial service may be arranged in the future.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com

Contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, 155 Main St., Worcester, is serving the family