Donald V. Collins, 87

CONCORD — Donald Vincent Collins, 87, passed away on Feb. 27, 2026, at Merrimack County Nursing Home, Boscawen.

Donald was born on June 10, 1938, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the son of the late Charles Collins and Dorothy (Fitton) Collins Boudreau.

Throughout his life, Donald enjoyed many outdoor activities — camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, biking and jogging. Donald was an all-weather outdoor enthusiast as he loved ice fishing and enjoyed cross-country skiing well into his 80s.

One of his great sports loves was car racing starting with go-karts in his younger years and then joining Granite State Mini Sprints Race Club. He was one of the original club members. He loved to tinker on his two mini sprints and over the years received several trophies as well as the “Team Spirit Award.”

Donald is survived by his daughters, Deborah Pendergast and her spouse Dana, Karen Bray and her spouse Richard, Kelly Collins and her spouse Katie; several grandchildren, Alexis, Cassandra, Eleni, Kyle, Christopher, Mitchell and Liza; and stepsiblings, Roberta Simmons and Frank Boudreau. Donald was predeceased by his wife Beverly, his love of over 60 years, as well as his son Donald V. Collins Jr., brother Charles Collins, and his parents, Charles and Dorothy Collins.

The family is planning a private celebration of life.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.