“Sometimes coming down in the elevator, you’d hear him three stories above,” she said.
A sports enthusiast, Collins played baseball for his high school and in college.
Later in life, Collins turned to golf as his sport of choice, McCallion said.
Speaking to the Globe in 2001, Collins reflected on his life.
“I took nothing for granted, but 75 years later, I know I had it right,” he said. “I wouldn’t change a thing in what has been a very full and very happy life.”
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A week before Collins’ death, McCallion said he was in good spirits.
“He was looking forward to meeting God,” she said.