WILMINGTON — John “Jack” Milton Collins, beloved fiancé, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, entered eternal life peacefully on the afternoon of June 22, 2026.
Jack’s legacy of love, generosity, hard work, and adventure lives on through the many lives he touched. He is reunited in heaven with his cherished daughter, Rose Elizabeth Collins Mathews; his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Bellinger Collins; and his brothers, Charles and Thomas Collins.
He is lovingly remembered by his fiancée, Jane Consolino, and her daughter, Angela; his children: Gina (Scott Dahlke), Timothy (Suzanne), Christopher (Betty), Anthony (Andrea), and Angela (EJ Huntemann); as well as Rose’s husband, Kevin Mathews.
Jack was a proud grandfather to Toni Funk (Patricio Velez), Colin Funk (Pavi Proczko), Jacqueline Funk (Jason Robinson), Emily Collins, Lauren Collins, Veronica Collins, Charlotte Collins, Bridget Collins, John Collins, Reagan Collins, Shea D’Agostino (Joseph), Chase Collins, Brendan Collins, Bruni Huntemann, Henry Huntemann, Charles Mathews (Emma Jane), Daniel Mathews (Holly), John Mathews (Jewelia), Katherine Mathews, and Elizabeth Mathews.
He was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to Nova Velez-Funk, Michael Anthony D’Agostino, Percy Mathews, and Rose Mathews.
Born on January 28, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, Jack was welcomed by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Bellinger Collins. He is survived by his siblings Carol, Roderick, Catherine, and Barbara, who mourn the loss of their beloved brother.
In 1963, Jack purchased his dental practice in Mundelein, Illinois, beginning a career that spanned decades and touched countless lives. He and his family first settled in Loch Lomond before moving to Countryside Lake in 1972. As both his family and dental practice grew, so did his passion for creating memorable experiences for those he loved.
An outdoorsman at heart, Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and sharing adventures with his children. Never one to shy away from a new endeavor, he even transformed part of family life into a small farm, raising steers, baby goats, and more barn cats than anyone could count. His children fondly remember the lessons, laughter, and unique experiences that came with growing up under his care.
Later in life, Jack discovered a passion for golf and became a member of Ivanhoe Country Club. He spent countless hours on the course, enjoying both the competition and camaraderie, and proudly celebrated several tournament victories over the years.
In his retirement years, Jack found happiness in Leland, North Carolina, where he and Jane built a wonderful life together. They enjoyed dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Jack’s warm smile, quick wit, adventurous spirit, and deep love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
His life was rich with family, friendship, hard work, and joy. While he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the stories shared, the traditions continued, and the generations that follow him.
Guided by one of his grandsons, Stages Chicago is an non-profit organization that brings music and movement to those who do not have access to it. The family suggests donations be made to this charity in honor of Jack’s love of music and his singing in the church choir.
May he rest in eternal peace.
