Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., February 7, 1936 – November 16, 2020
Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., age 84, died peacefully in his home, with his beloved wife by his side, in North Reading, Massachusetts on November 16, 2020. Dennis, originally of Hyde Park, Boston, was a graduate of Boston University, where he graduated second in his class while earning an Aeronautical Engineering degree. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In his early career, Dennis worked for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where he made significant contributions to NASA’s space flight program. In 1966, he married Solfrid Svalgres, a beautiful Norwegian woman whom he met while dining at a German Restaurant in Washington, D.C. Eventually, the couple settled in North Reading, where Dennis continued his lifetime of civilian service working as an Engineer at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Cambridge. Dennis and Solfrid went on to have a son, Brendan and a daughter, Britt.
Dennis was a gentle, humble and religious man who loved nature and was devoted to his family. Over the years, Dennis became accomplished at many hobbies including sailing, photography, fly fishing, skiing, gardening, playing Flamenco guitar, and furniture making. He was happiest when taking long walks in the woods with his wife, children and dog, Nosey. He also enjoyed listening to jazz while reading the newspaper and his travels to Norway. Although he was not one to brag about his own accomplishments, he thoroughly enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren’s.
Dennis is survived by his wife Solfrid, who cared for him during his long illness. He is also survived by his son, Brendan and daughter, Britt and his five beloved grandchildren, Boden, Donovan, Sophia (his favorite), Aidan and Rachel as well as several nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Marie. Those wishing to honor Dennis’ life may make a donation to Catholic Relief Services or Food for the Poor.
His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be private. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Britt, I am so sorry to read of your family’s great loss. I send you all my deepest sympathy.
Pamela Oliver
Britt, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family during this very trying time.
Marie Iovino
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all.
Mrs. Collins, Britt, Brendan, I am sending you and your family so much love. Mr. Collins was always kind, artistic and ridiculously smart. I’ll always remember how he helpEd me with my eighth grade acid rain project. And I will always see him in his chair, listening to jazz on the record player. A super cool guy. Love, Andrea
Dennis was one of my favorite people at NASA/ERC and DOT/TSC. He was always upbeat with never a bad word for anyone. He had a good laugh, which we experienced often, and a good witty sarcastic sense of humor with me. I loved being around him. Dennis was our first baseman on the NASA softball team when we played the MIT graduate students. Being the third baseman I loved the long lean target Dennis provided for my throws, which were sometimes errant. All in all, Dennis was a wonderful person to know and be with.