Conrad G. Collins, 93, of Leesburg, Fla.

AUG. 4, 2017

LEESBURG, FLA. » Conrad G. Collins age 93 passed away peacefully in Leesburg, Fla. on Aug. 4.

Conrad was the son of Shirley (Sutherland) and Kenneth Collins Sr. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie (Stook) Collins; sister, Constance Reed, Oneonta, N.Y.; brother, Edward (Ted) Collins, Oneida, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Marion Tallman, Verona, N.Y.; five children, Conrad Collins Jr. (Jane) of Melbourne, Fla.; daughters, Karen Conrad (Gil) of Eustis, Fla., Dawn James (Michael) of Havana, Fla., Lisa Esch (Paul) of Verona, N.Y., April Slater (Fred) of Homestead, Fla.; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 23 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Charles, Kenneth Jr. and Robert and great-grandson, Miguel Alaniz.

Conrad was born in Remores Corners, N.Y. and grew up in Verona, N.Y. He served in the US Marines on board the carrier, USS Ranger, during WWII and at Shangri La, President Roosevelt’s retreat, at the war’s end. He graduated from Syracuse University. He owned and operated several small businesses in upstate New York before moving to Florida in 1979. He was a general contractor for Shamrock Development, building homes throughout Lake County. In 1991, he began Conrad Collins Building Inspections, which is now run by his son-in-law, Gil. He formerly served as president of the Church Council at Faith Lutheran Church in Eustis, president of the Homeowner’s Association of Scottish Highlands in Leesburg, and president of the Residents’ Council at Lakeport Square. He taught Dale Carnegie classes for 25 years. Conrad’s proudest accomplishments centered on his family. He lived a long and healthy life recommending that others eat wisely (especially strawberries), exercise daily, have fun, and give thanks.

Committal will take place Friday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Florida National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell. Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Lakeport Square East Building Auxiliary Dining Room, 800 Lakeport Blvd., Leesburg, Fla. 34748. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are by Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals.