Retired Broward Circuit judge

Retired Broward Circuit Judge Robert “Bobby” Collins, who went from representing celebrities as a lawyer to ensuring fair trials for juveniles as a judge, died Sunday after a brief illness, his family said.

Collins, who was 86, worked his way through the University of Miami law school in the 1950s by working at comedy clubs, said his son, Fort Lauderdale lawyer Bradley Collins.

In the 1970s and ’80s, his clients and friends included some of the biggest names in sports and show business, including Burt Reynolds, Muhammad Ali, Johnny Weismuller and Norman Mailer.

Collins was elected to the bench in 1990 and served officially until 2002, including a stint as the administrative judge of the juvenile division. He continued serving the bench for seven years after his official retirement.

Throughout his tenure, attorneys looked to him for fair rulings and as a mentor. “He made us all kinder lawyers and better people,” said Deborah CarpenterToye, who shared office space with Collins’ son for several years and just began her first term as a Broward County Court judge this month.

“He was an extraordinary gentleman who brought a real dignity to the bench,” said Peter Weinstein, chief administrative judge of the Broward Circuit Court. “He was very well-respected by attorneys and the public.”

Collins fell ill several weeks ago, but maintained his good humor to the end, his son said. “Even in his last hours, when we asked, ‘Dad, are you comfortable?’ he answered, ‘I make a living.’ He made us smile right to the end.”

The judge is survived by one other son, Kenny Collins of San Francisco, and companion Lorraine Sternberg. He was the youngest of five children, all of whom are deceased, Bradley Collins said. No public funeral service is being planned, but a “toast” to his life will be organized in Broward at a date to be determined, Bradley Collins said.

COURTESY Retired Broward Circuit Judge Robert Collins died Sunday after a brief illness, his family said.