Michael LeRoy Collins, 71

Celebration of Life

WAREHAM – Michael LeRoy Collins, 71, of Wareham, passed away after a long battle with cancer surrounded by family on December 12, 2025 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston. He was the son of the late Lawrence Arnold and Judith Ann (Bocken) Collins.

He was born in Albany, Georgia at the United States Air Force Hospital. Ever the military family they lived in North Carolina, Philadelphia and back home to Gloucester where Michael spent most of his youth until his father was stationed in Hingham and the family made the move to Wareham. Michael finished his senior year at Wareham High School where he truly discovered his passion for art thanks to his teacher and prolific artist Christy Gunnels. Mike won an art contest with the Boston Globe and embarked onto the art world, attending Swain School of Design.

After attending Swain, he set out on a life long journey of creativity. Drawn by the luminaries of the beat generation, Mike hitched across country during the bi-centennial in 1976, eventually making San Francisco his home for over twenty years. In addition to canvas, his creativity found expression in poetry, song writing, and music and in 1984 began a collaboration with friend Laurence Martin and formed the band American English, attracting an eclectic following in the city. In 2001 Mike moved to Mendocino thanks to the generosity of a close friend, Calvert Potter, He was able to set up a small gallery- Water Studio, providing show space for other artists. After achieving success in early 2006, Mike moved back to Wareham to be close to family continuing his art and locking into his second passion; food, cooking at various restaurants on the South Coast. A devoted Brother and Uncle, Mike took these roles seriously and there was never a celebration missed.

Survivors include his sister, Jane Collins-Fondulis of Wareham; three nieces and one nephew, Jessica Collins, Christian Collins, Rachel Baptista, and Caralyne Fondulis, eight great nieces and seven great nephews, partner John Veinotte and ex-partner and longtime friend Laurence Martin. He was the brother of the late Timothy Christian Collins and Lawrence “Butch” Arnold Collins Jr.

His celebration of life will be held from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15th at Onset Bay Center, 186 Onset Ave., Onset, MA. Family, friends and children are welcomed.

Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.