Jeffrey "Jeff" Arlington Collins

My given name is Jeffrey Arlington Collins, but I am known by all as Jeff.  I passed away on May 10, 2026, at Christiana Care hospital surrounded by my loving wife and children following a tragic motorcycle accident.  I was 56 years old.

I was born on January 16, 1970, to Arlie Collins and Gloria (Bruce) Collins Gallian in the state of Georgia.  I attended high school in Phoenixville, PA where I first met my future soulmate, Nicole.  After graduation, I returned to Georgia and started a family welcoming my adored children, Garrett and Maggie.  I spent many summers at Lazy Acres family cabin competing in and usually winning fishing tournaments.  I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ farm (Maw-Maw & Pa) growing up and later I was able to live there and help take care of Maw-Maw. 

Fourteen years ago, I reconnected with Nicole and immediately knew it was meant to be.  I relocated to Delaware where Nicole let me help raise her great children, Dalton & Hailey. We introduced my kids & her kids which became our kids & Garrett, Dalton, Hailey and Maggie were able to become good friends through visits and group vacations. I hope that friendship continues through the years.  I worked as a property manager for the State of Delaware Housing Authority for 8 years trying to support my residents.  For the past year I have worked as Property Manager for the Promenade Condominium Community Group in Easton, MD where I enjoyed getting to know my fellow employees and amazing residents. 

I was preceded in death by my mother Gloria Gallian and my loving Maw-Maw and Pa.  I leave behind a beautiful legacy with my partner in crime Nicole.  She allowed me to share an amazing journey and joyful ride in raising our kids Dalton and Hailey.  I love all three with all my heart and soul.  In Georgia I am leaving behind my father; Arlie Collins; my wonderful children son Garrett Collins (Peyton); and daughter Maggie Collins who gave me so many cherished memories watching them grow into amazing adults; Arlene Collins -my Nana (bonus mom); my stepfather George Gallian; and my best friend Gerald “Jay” Howard (Phyllis). Though distance kept us apart more than I wished, I want all of them to always know how deeply they are loved and how vital they were to my life.  My extended family - my in-laws Blaine & Bunny Herrick; Jason & Mollie Thomas and their children Alexis, Jackson, and Zoey & Alexis’s young son Killian (all of Seaford); Scott and Lan Herrick (Vietnam) who took in a stranger and made me a part of their crazy, fun-loving family. Thanks for the great memories.

My last action on this earth was that of an organ donor.  I was lucky to be a match for several people to give them a second chance at life - as they say “I’m the gift that keeps on giving” ….

I do not want a formal funeral service – just remember me with a smile, donate to your favorite charity; drop items off at your local food bank or extend a helping hand to a stranger in a difficult time.  One last thing – hug your loved ones just a little tighter and know that tomorrow is never promised.  Thanks for being my life, my loves and my friends – see you on the other side!

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