Joseph (Joe) Michael Collins, 99, of Amesbury, Mass., passed away on January 27, 2025 of natural causes after a life well lived.

Joe was born in Boston on January 23, 1926. After graduating from Ashland (Mass.) High School in 1944, Joe served in the US Army from June 1944 until August 1946. He served in the Philippines until September 1945, after which he was sent to post-War Japan, where he served until his discharge in 1946. He received two Battle Stars.

After his military service, Joe commenced a long managerial finance career with General Electric Co, during which he completed his accounting degree at Bentley College (now Bentley University) under the GI Bill. With GE, Joe started in the clock & timer department in Ashland, transferring in 1969 to the Household Division headquarters in Bridgeport. After retirement from GE, he worked as a consultant for Black & Decker Co.

In October 1958, Joe married Marie (Farrell) Collins. Joe and Marie were married for nearly 50 years, until Marie’s passing in 2008.

Joe is survived by their four children: Michael Collins of Columbia, Mo., Stephen (Carolyn) Collins of Chester, N.J., Tim (Wendy) Collins of Youngsville, N.C., and Kathy (David) Pothier of Amesbury, Mass. Joe is also survived by eight grandchildren: Matthew Higgins (Mykahla) of North Kingston, R.I., Quinn, Audrey, William, Claire, and Graham Collins of Chester, N.J., and Ella and Keelan Pothier of Amesbury, Mass., as well as two great grandchildren, Matthew and Mary Rose Higgins.

Joe also has many surviving family members across the US and Ireland.

Joe and Marie raised their family in Newtown, from 1969 until 1996, after which they retired to Hampton, N.H. Joe enjoyed following the Boston Red Sox, listening to Irish music, reading and hiking.

In addition to Marie, Joe was predeceased by his sisters Helen, Cecilia, and Mary, and his brothers Christopher and John.

A private memorial service will be held in the spring.

Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Harborside Hospice (harborsidehospicellc.com/).