Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Eugene Collins “Grandpa,” died peacefully in his home on June 5, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on December 7th 1941 to Timothy and Helen Collins, he was one of six children. Upon graduating from City College of New York with a degree in Economics and receiving his MBA in Finance and Investment from NYU, Eugene enlisted in the US Army Special Forces, training as an elite Green Beret. Gene went on to have a lucrative career in security analysis, investment banking, and money management on Wall Street and later in Greenwich, CT. During that time he testified before the U.S. Congress and at antitrust litigations on the financial structure of the computer industry.

After raising his family in Wilton, CT, Gene retired to join his brother Donald and his family in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where his pastimes became swimming, biking, fishing, and bragging about his daughters and grandsons. Gene quickly became a beloved and active member of the New Smyrna Beach Bouchelle community. On any given night he would be out listening to music with friends, enjoying a good happy hour, or playing poker. Although retired, he stayed active in the financial market and enjoyed educating and mentoring others.

Despite his love of Florida he made frequent visits back up North to see his family. Whether Christmases in Connecticut or Summers on Shelter Island, his smile was always brightest while playing with his grandsons.

Eugene is survived by his wife Christine Anne Mika Collins, his two daughters Lauren Michelle Collins Eklund (Jonathan), and Devon Lenore Collins Fahey (Michael), four grandsons Hudson Johan Eklund, Cade Eugene Eklund, Liam Ryan Fahey, and Logan Michael Fahey, his sisters Elizabeth Scott (Howard), Maureen Kelly (Michael), and Eileen Bianco (John), and all his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Timothy (Margo), and Donald (Eileen).

Eugene’s warm smile, calm manner, and generous heart will be missed dearly by all who loved him. He addressed everyone, young and old, with the same genuine sincerity, making him “Grandpa” to many.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hub Artists Collective in New Smyrna Beach, FL.