Frank W. “Squeak” Collins age 89 of Hillsboro died Thursday morning May 27, 2010 at the Georgetown Veterans Home. He was born November 8, 1920 in Hillsboro, Ohio the son of the late Grover Cleveland and Pearl Prine Collins. Mr. Collins had owned and operated the Collins Appliance Store in Hillsboro from 1948 until 1985 when his son Dan purchased the business. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 361. He is survived by one son Dan (Ramona) Collins of Hillsboro, four grandchildren, Jeff (Cathy) Collins, Kevin (Tonya) Collins, Monica Collins and Angie Collins, two great grandchildren, Kaitlan (Michael) Hollon and Bryan Collins, two step great-grandchildren, Erica Morgan and Kevin Roark and two sisters, Margery (Fred) Barney of Hillsboro and Helen White of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Louise F. Collins on January 28, 2007, one son, Michael Collins on December 18, 1975 and one brother, George Collins. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Father Mike Paraniuk will officiate. Burial with military honors presented by the Highland County Honor Guard will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. There will be no visitation. The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc
Having known "Squeak" for more than 40 years, I can safely say that Hillsboro has lost another one of its finest citizens. The fact that Mr. Collins and the late Mr. Homer Webster owned businesses adjacent to one another for so many years and were such community icons should not be forgotten.
And as we observe Memorial Day, let us remember, too, that both Mr. Collins and Mr. Webster served their country in World War II. Another member of Our Greatest Generation is gone.
I interviewed Squeak for a baseball history piece in 1990 or '91 and I had a wonderful time sitting in the back room of Collins Appliance Store, chewing tobacco with Squeak and taking notes while he held court.
What many people may not know, Squeak was a tremendous athlete, particularly in baseball and football. He was a fixture at the Hillsboro ballpark for decades, too.
He will be missed by his family and friends and the Hillsboro business community. Godspeed.
Rory Ryan
I was sorry to read of Frank Collins' death. I fondly remember going to Collins Appliance Store to purchase 45 and LP records when I was a teenager. Frank always had a great selection of the currently popular songs on 45s. If he did not have what you wanted, he would get it on his next trip to Cincinnati. I still have many of those records. It was always interesting to talk with Frank.
I'm so sorry to hear of "Squeaker's" passing. I have many fond memories of Squeaker, Louise, and the appliance store from my years of growing up in Hillsboro. He will be missed.
So sorry to learn of Frank's death. He was a wonderful person. Our Sympathy to all of you.
Danny,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My dad passed away on Monday. We've talked about this many times and just because we know it's for the best, it doesn't make it any easier. My sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family. Bless you all.
Mickey
Danny & family;
I just learned of your Dad's passing. I know that you will miss him but he is at rest now. There will no peace in heaven - he will have everybody up there laughing till they cry. My Mom loved you Dad - she would pick on him from the moment that we walked into the store and they would trade stories till we left. Our thoughts are with you and the family. God Bless.
Love, Connie & Jim
Dear Danny and family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I remember coming to the store with my Mom as a young girl. It seemed like we were never going to leave your store because they would talk, for what seemed like hours about everything! I can still see him sitting in the back of the store laughing. He will be missed by everyone.
DANNY AND RAMONA AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT FRANK. YOU WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. During this difficult time, know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. God be with you and your family now and in the weeks to come. Love, Sean and Donna.
Sorry to hear about Squeak, He helped build the ball park he was truly interested in the youngsters in the community. He made Hillsboro a better place to live and raise children. I know he and George always had a good time kidding each other.
Sorry to hear about Squeak, He helped build the ball park he was truly interested in the youngsters in the community. He made Hillsboro a better place to live and raise children. I know he and George always had a good time kidding each other.
Sorry to hear about Squeak, He helped build the ball park he was truly interested in the youngsters in the community. He made Hillsboro a better place to live and raise children. I know he and George always had a good time kidding each other.
I have many fond memories of "Squeak" at the ballpark, in the store, and sitting in his front yard.I will always remember his and my mom's debate about getting peanut butter candy to sell at the ballpark. He was a great man and will be greatly missed! Sue
To : Danny and all the family. Like many others, I have fond memories of Squeak at the ballpark. I have always had a special place in my heart for the ballpark,and your Dad was certainly instrumental in creating all those memories. I remember our trip to the American Legion State tournament in 1971. Squeak had two suitcases,one was full of nothing but chewing tobacco ! My prayers are with you and your family.
Danny, Ramona, and family, Just learned of your Dad's passing. We agree with the comments made by others. Your Dad devoted his energy, humor, and passion for the community and sports. He will be missed by many for all of his contributions. Our fond memories and thoughts be with you and your loved ones during the coming days. Love ya, Lee & Jim Redkey
We were so sorry to hear the news of Squeaks passing. Always know that we are thinking of you Danny and that you are in our prayers.
Dear Danny and Family, Sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a great man. He always had that twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. God Bless you all and you are in my prayers.
Dear Marge, Dan & Family...
I was so sorry to hear of Squeaks' passing, but know his health problems in recent years has taken a toll on all of you.
He had a tremendous sense of humor, and such a wide range of friends, who will remember with love and affection the times spent in the backroom of the store.
My Mother, Margaret Ludwick, had such love for his dear Louise...and never forgot being called "Peg" by that great friend of hers.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers on his passing.
Leslie Ramsey & Family
Our sincere sympathy.
I have a lot of memories of Squeak. There were a lot of laughs, lot of time in the back of the store with him getting "schooled". We're very sorry to lose him and will think of him often and remember the good times.
I am sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Collins. While I never had the honor of meeting him, I remember that my parents, John and Pat Lamb, often spoke warmly of him. Our deepest sympathy to his family.