Obituary of Richard L. Collins

MILLERS MILLS - Richard Lawrence Collins, age 80, of Millers Mills, NY passed away on November 15th, with his family by his side. He was born November 3, 1942, in Troy, NY, the son of William and Jessie (Start) Collins and graduated from Herkimer High School. Richard went on to receive his Bachelors Degree, from LeMoyne College and Graduate Degree, from Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University. He was married to Carol Huxtable, on August 29, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Church, West Winfield. She died on August 21, 2022. In 1967, he joined the Herkimer County Trust Company rising from Branch Manager, Vice-President, Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer and lastly to President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank and its parent company, Herkimer Trust Corp. In 1997, he retired from management and continued to be a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors. Richard was also a long time member and Past President of the New York State Independent Bankers Association. His commitment to the Mohawk Valley was paramount. Richard was the Past President and founding Director of Leadership Mohawk Valley, Past Chairperson and member of the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors, Past Chairman, Herkimer County Community College Board of Trustees, Past President, Board of Directors Eastern Herkimer County Industries, Past President and member, Herkimer County Area Development Corp, member, SUNY IT College Council, Ex Officio member, Mohawk Valley Edge Board of Directors, Board Member, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida County Workforce Development Board of Directors, Chairman, Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway Committee, Past President and member, Herkimer Rotary, member, Little Falls Elks Club and Past Master and longtime member, Millers Mills Grange #581. In addition to his many civic activities, Richard enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling and hunting. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Surviving family members include his daughter, Kathleen (“Katie”) Wheelock and her husband, Ronald; son, Stephen Collins and his wife, Kelly; six grandchildren, Capt. Matthew Wheelock (USMC) and his wife, Emily, Caleb Wheelock, Stacy Collins and her companion, Seth Hammont, Kelsey Collins and her companion, Derrick Groat, Chad Collins and his companion, Nicole Bommarito and Alissa Collins and her companion, Nate Goodwin; two great-grandchildren, Liam Wheelock and Laine Collins; brother, James Collins; sister, Doris Miller; brother, Charles (MaryAnne) Collins; sisters-in-law, Susan Huxtable and Kay Collins; and much loved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Collins; 4 brothers, William (Madelyn) Collins, Edward Collins, Jack Collins and David Collins; 2 sisters, Ruth Whitaker and Carol Collins; and brothers-in-law, Henry Huxtable and Richard Miller. A Celebration of Richard’s Life and Memorial Service will be held 12 noon, Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Millers Mills Community Baptist Church, 647 Millers Mills Rd., West Winfield, NY, with Pastor Jessica Merrill, officiating. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Richard, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Millers Mills Community Baptist Church, 647 Millers Mills Rd., West Winfield, NY 13491, or the Millers Mills Grange #581, 666 Stone Rd., West Winfield, NY 13491. Envelopes will also be available at the Church Service. Richard’s services are entrusted to his long time family friend, Funeral Director, Don Applegate, assisted by family friend, Judy Applegate, of the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Homes, of Ilion (315-895-7722).