Obituary of Peter Collins

Peter Collins, 67, of Howell passed away at home on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Born in Jersey City to the late, Jacob and Lorraine Chocolate, he lived in South Plainfield before moving to Howell in 1984. A former Antenna Engineer, in retirement Peter was a bus driver for Durham School Services. He enjoyed classical music and was a self-taught pianist. He also possessed a passion for technology. Peter had a green thumb and could often be found in his garden. Peter was drawn to the ocean and enjoyed catching rays. In his youth, he was an avid scuba diver with an eye for underwater photography. He was an excellent cook and loved to prepare meals for his family. Peter was affectionately known as Grandpa to his grandchildren and Gampy to the dogs.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen Collins in 2017. Peter is survived by his children, Chris Collins and his wife, Mary of Howell, Sarah McKnight and her husband, Sean of Howell, and Amy Collins of Howell; grandchildren, Chloe McKnight, Gavin McKnight and Anna Collins; twin brother, Richard Chocolate and his wife, Cindy of DE; brother, Michael Chocolate and his wife, Linda of Old Bridge; sister, Catherine Pittochelli and her husband, Raymond of MA; four nieces; and his first favorite grand-pooch, Mable and second favorite grand-pooch, Mikey.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM funeral service on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery and Mausoleum, 169 Main Street, Freehold Township. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Peter’s name may be made to NJ Boxer Rescue, PO Box 684, Middlesex, NJ 08846. For information, directions or to offer condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.