Ronald E. Collins, D.D.S.
December 25, 1930 - July 8, 2023
Ronald E. Collins, D.D.S., age 92, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Born in Hastings, PA, on December 25, 1930, he was a son of the late Henry J. and Rachel Elizabeth Collins. Dr. Ron began his undergraduate education at St. Francis College where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, completing his degree in two and a half years. He then earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery at University of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Gorgas Odonatological Honorary Society. Dr. Ron completed a 1-year internship at Walter Reed Medical Center, and then served a tour of duty as a captain in the United States Air Force. He later completed his post graduate education in orthodontics, spending 2 years at Columbia University/Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and pedodontics at UNC, Chapel Hill. Dr. Ron’s dental practice began over 50 years ago. He loved creating smiles for generations and the practice continues with his daughter Dr. Lynn.
Dr. Ron was a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, Orthodontic Alumni Society of Columbia University, National Begg Society, and Rotary Club of Newark. He also served as a Chairman of the Ethics Committee of Delaware State Society for 8 years and on the Board of Advisors to the Dental Section of Hodgson Vocational High School.
Ron possessed a keen mind and a very wide range of interests. His hobbies spanned from building and flying model airplanes in the 1960’s to an interest in restoration of classic automobiles. Dr. Ron loved traveling and visited Europe numerous times. He also loved skiing, boating and most of all time spent with his family and his beloved canine companion Redford.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Catherine M. (Schreppler) Collins; and sister-in-law, Ann Collins. He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine K. Collins; children, Carolyn Toggas (Dave), Dr. Lynn Collins (Todd Yetter), Lisa Collins, Dr. Daniel E. Collins, Dr. Andrew R. Collins (Tracey), and Anne Dee Conway (Timothy); siblings, Marlene D. Horleman (William), Dr. Dale R. Collins (Priscilla), Dr. Gary R. Collins, and Sherri F. Sewell (Edward “Chip”); grandchildren, Kyle Hasson (Leighann Jones), Catherine Chalabala (Clint), Keeley Egan, Abigail Ciach, Joshua Conway, Cora Conway, Nathaniel Collins, and Christian Collins; and great-grandchild, Corrie Jay Chalabala.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11:30 am on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Holy Angels R.C. Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Ron’s memory to The Wilmer Eye Institute Development Office, Attn: Dr. Albert Jun Research in Memory of Ronald E. Collins at 600 North Wolfe Street, Wilmer 112 Baltimore, MD 21287.
Julie Justis
Dr Collins was amazing and wonderful. He was my orthodontist, my dds well past braces off for years, and he pulled my wisdom teeth with just 8 shots of novocaine on a hot July day. My impressions before and after were in his bookcase of fame for many years. My condolences to his family from a true fan who will never forgot him. A true legend who cared for so many for sure.
Jeff Collins
Dr Ronnie was my orthodontist. My mouth was a train wreck. He put a plan together had teeth pulled and braces. My teeth and I are forever grateful. God Speed Dr Ronnie.
Jeff Mitchell
Dr Collins’s was such an intelligent, kind, loving man. I pray he may rest now. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs Collins and the family. I will never forget him.
Coleen Lorenzoni
RIP Dr Ron. My family was lucky enough to have you as our dentist. You had a great sense of humor and my boys loved you. You will be missed.
Julia Bermudez
I worked by his side for many years as an assistant and he was so easy to work with.He was an intelligent man just hit him up with a dental question and he had the answer.He helped many people in his career.Memories are kept.Condolences to your family.With Love,Julie
Elyse Simpkins
Dearest Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your dad. He sounded like a wonderful man. I know you loved him dearly. May Abba God cocoon you with His love and comfort. Love and Blessings Elyse
Kenny Lockerman
So sorry to hear this. Dr. Ron was a great person. Praying for you all.
Lou and Carla Martin
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful person. Ron was the first one to welcome us to the Delaware dental community and he became a dear friend and colleague.
Barbara Eaton
Lynn
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Prayers and thoughts with you.
Barb Eaton
Deb Wilkins-Schiffer
Our sincere condolences to the Collins family at this time.
Fernmoor Homes and the Vineyards team
Christina Austin
RIP Dr Collins! The best dentist ever, he was my dentist for 16 years- i remember going to the main street office and he had the best bedside manner .
Polly Adams Mervine
Thinking of your family and sending deepest condolences. So very sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers. Polly
Bernadette Tucker
Dr. Lynn and FAMILY,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Father, may God give you all strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Dr. Ron was a truly amazing and wonderful doctor as well as a loving person. My family and myself were lucky enough to have him s our dentist. He always had a way of calming patients (young and old) when he sensed that they were nervous. He will truly be missed.
Bernadette Tucker
Raymond Mills
I’m so sorry to hear this. The world is worse off with this man not walking on it.
Marcia Conway
I am so glad I had the opportunity to know Ron. He was a very intellect man and I always enjoyed my conservations with him. Ron was a very generous and kind man. My sincere sympathy to Lorraine and all the family. God Bless everyone.
Tammylynn Kreber
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
Dr.Ron was a great man to work for. Caring , funny and sometimes silly.
Sending healing vibes
Love
Tammy and Doug Kreber
Barbara Cohen
Dearest Anne Dee, Lorraine and family,
Please accept my profound sympathies on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. What an amazing tribute to a life well lived. May his memory be for a blessing.
milliekcaplan
Dear Lorraine,
I was so saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved husband. Ron was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You will carry him forever in your heart. May he rest in peace, and his name be a blessing.
Love, Millie