Patrick Francis Collins

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Patrick Francis Collins, 44, of Chardon Township, peacefully passed away Nov. 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

He was born April 10, 1979, to Francis Albert and Regina Marie (nee Heisler) Collins, in Mayfield Heights and grew up in Hambden Township.

Patrick was a 1998 Chardon High School graduate and received his B.A. in Elementary Education from Lake Erie College.

He married Mary “Rachel” Howard on June 26, 2004, in Sherwood, Ark.

Patrick taught elementary school in Arkansas for three years before joining the United States Army to be trained as a radiology technologist. He was a 12-year veteran, achieving the rank of sergeant and receiving numerous awards for his excellence in service. Patrick and his family were stationed in Texas, Alabama, Virginia and Wiesbaden, Germany; he also served with the National Guard in Pennsylvania.

After returning home to Chardon, Patrick worked at Lake Health Tripoint Medical Center as a radiology technologist and then as a lead radiology technologist at MetroHealth Medical Center Emergency Department in Cleveland.

Patrick loved his family, traveling with them, and spending time with them outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel, of Chardon Township; children, Sean, Emma and Ava Collins; mother, Regina, of Hambden; brother, Christopher F. (Hannah) Collins, of Hambden; in-laws, Paul and Melissa Howard, of Hambden; brother-in-law, Josh (Marci) Howard, of Battle Creek, Mich.; and eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis “Fran” Albert Collins; maternal grandparents, Harriet and Frank Collins, of Hambden; and maternal grandparents, Douglas and Regina Heisler, of Lyndhurst, Ohio.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2023, at Hambden Township Cemetery, 9891 Old State Road, Hambden.

A reception for friends and family will follow at Chardon Christian Fellowship Church, 401 South Hambden St., Chardon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Patrick’s memory to the USO Ohio, 20637 Emerald Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44135; the American Cancer Society, 540 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024; or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602.

Arrangements are with Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.