Obituary of Stewart B. Collins

Stewart B. Collins, 96, of Frederick, PA, died Monday March 31, 2014 in Pottstown Medical Center, Pottstown, PA. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Andrus) Collins, Frederick, PA. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on December 23, 1917, he was the son of the late Eusebius H. Collins and the late Mary Catherine "Minnie" (Bennett) Collins. Stewart has been living in Frederick, PA, for the last 11 years, formerly of Skippack, PA, St. Louis, MO, and Trappe, PA. He is a Retired Director Of Cooperative Education at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. As a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, Stewart participated in the major invasions of Normandy and Italy during World War II. In 1943, he served aboard the LST 327 in the European Theater and earned 4 stars for his service. He also earned the Asiatic- Pacific Theater Ribbon, as well as the American Defense Ribbon. After 4 years of distinguished service, 3 of which were overseas, Stewart was given an honorable discharge in 1945. He received his BS in Commerce in 1941 and his MBA in 1952, both from Drexel University, where he was employed for 35 years and retired as Director of Cooperative Education. His students, as well as his children, had the good fortune to observe and learn from his strong work ethic. During his tenure at Drexel, Stewart served as Executive Secretary of the Cooperative Education Association from 1966 to 1973. He was given numerous awards for his work in cooperative education. Stewart met his wife, Barbara, on a blind date while he was stationed in New London, CT, and she was a student at Connecticut College. They walked hand-in-hand through 69 years of marriage. He was a faithful, loving and supportive husband. Over the years, they were occasionally overheard singing "You are My Sunshine" one to the other. Throughout his life, Stewart had a way with words, a love for news and kept a good close eye on the weather. He was known for his great sense of humor and playing jazz on the piano. Having spent his boyhood summers in Ocean City, NJ, Stewart developed a lifelong love for the beach, the ocean and the boardwalk, passing this on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is fondly described by his grandchildren as fun-loving, gentle and kind. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters: Joan C. (& James) Brandt, Lake St. Louis, MO, and Katherine C. (& Rick) Black, Skippack, PA; daughter-in-law: Robin Scott Collins, La Canada, CA; nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Stewart A. Collins. Services and interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to: Frederick Living, Box 498, Frederick, PA 19435-0498. Stewart has been living in Frederick, Pa for the last 12 years, formerly of Collegeville, Pa , St. Louis, & Trappe, Pa He was a veteran of World WarII serving in the US Coast Guard He recieved his MBA at Drexel University where he worked for 35 years and retired as Director of Co-Operative Education He enjoyed playing the piano and spending time in Ocean City, NJ