Atkinson, NH:  Maurice R. "Jake" Collins, 98, a resident of the Town of Atkinson for sixty-six years, died April 5, 2021 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA. He was the husband of the late Una (Mason) Collins, who predeceased him in 2006.

Born in Plaistow, son of the late Eugene and Lydia (Leclair) Collins, he attended the Pollard School and went on graduate from Sanborn Seminary in Kingston with the Class of 1940.

A U.S. Navy veteran of World War Two, Mr. Collins served valiantly as a Gunner's Mate First Class. He attended training at the San Diego, California Destroyer Base and NTS Newport, R.I. and was later stationed aboard the USS Mettawee, and saw action in the American and Asiatic-Pacific Theatres. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and was a recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, The American Area Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

After returning to the United States, Mr. Collins resumed his former job as a skiver and was employed for forty-seven years at Regano Box Toe, eventually rising to the position of foreman and later Division Supervisor under the ownership of Foss Manufacturing.

A member of the Greatest Generation, "Jake" and Una were devoted to each other and their families as well as to their country and their community. He served on and was a former chairman of the Atkinson Planning Board. He was also a Past-President of the Atkinson Historical Society, and was a founding member of the Atkinson Veteran's Club. They were generous to several local charities and organizations and he, provided the matching funds to the grant that established what is known as Collins Park on East Road in Atkinson. Jake and Una were honored in 2005 when the town report was dedicated to them and they were jointly nominated as Citizens of the Year.

A longtime member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish and the former Holy Angels Parish of Plaistow, he served as a parish usher and volunteer for the Food Pantry and the parish holiday fair. Mr. Collins was an avid hunter and fisherman and member of the Plaistow Fish and Game Club and was recognized as a New Hampshire Master Angler. He and his wife enjoyed ballroom dancing and won several trophies in competition throughout New England.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his brother, Kenneth R. Collins of Salem, NH, a sister, Julia Redman of Arizona, several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Scott Senter and his wife Carolyn Averill of East Kinston, NH and many close friends in the Atkinson community and his longtime friend Joseph Glowik of Peabody, MA. He was predeceased by brothers Chester, Edward, Bernard and Mahlon Collins, and sisters, Barbara Emerson, Gladys Paradis, Alice, Annett, and "Sister" Collins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. in Holy Angels Church of Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, under the State of New Hampshire guidelines for social distancing and the wearing of masks.  Burial with military honors will follow in Atkinson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial donations be made to : Atkinson Veterans' Club or to the Atkinson Elderly Affairs, Town of Atkinson, c/o Noriko Travers, 19 Academy Ave., Atkinson NH. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH. To send a message of condolence or to share a cherished memory, please visit: www.brooksidechapelfh.com .