Daniel Jerome Collins, age 64, of Wilmington, passed away on December 2, 2024.
Born to the late Jerome and Loraine Collins, Dan graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1978 and from the University of Delaware in 1982. A lifelong learner, Dan also earned his Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law in 1990 and completed a Master of Music degree at Rowan University in 2019.
The law and music were Dan’s passions. He was a music instructor at various local schools, also providing private lessons, and was the owner of Upbeat Music Studio. He practiced as a private attorney and arbitrator, taught law courses, and worked as a financial planner.
Dan was a member of the Schola Cantorum Zoli Band, the Four in the Pocket Band, and other local wedding bands. He also served as a pit orchestra leader, was involved with the Mt. Pleasant Marching Band, and performed with the UD Jazz Band. Dan enjoyed spending summers at his shore home in North Wildwood and worked a summer job at Kelly’s Café.
Dan deeply loved his family, especially his daughter, Katie (“Pumpkin”), who was the apple of his eye. He loved following her music and theatre career. Dan will be remembered for his quick wit and Irish sense of humor. Dan is survived by his wife, Marie Patricia Collins of Wilmington; daughter Kathleen Marie Collins; sister Marie Collins Milner (Richard); brother David Jerome Collins (Mary Ann); and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing at St. Helena’s Roman Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE, on Tuesday, December 10, beginning at 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dan’s name to the Talleyville Fire Company, 3919 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.
