Walter P. Collins

Walter P. Collins, 92, died Monday, October 31, 2016 at his daughter’s home in Cockeysville, MD. He was the husband of the late Doris Anne (Coppleman) Collins of Baltimore. They had been married 50 years at the time of her passing in 2001 due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Walter is survived by his sons, Timothy and Daniel; and his daughter, Kelly. A viewing will be held from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, November 6 at the J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown. The funeral service will begin at 11 am Monday at the mortuary with the Deacon Frederick C. Horn officiating. Burial will follow at Stewartstown Cemetery. Born December 14, 1923, Walter was a devoted family man, published poet, racing enthusiast and native of Baltimore City. One of eight siblings, Collins graduated from St. Martin’s High School in Baltimore in 1942. He worked for General Mills before embarking in a career in life insurance and instruction. From the 1960’s through 1980’s, Collins held managerial positions at both Metropolitan and Monumental Life Insurance Companies and earned his CLU, Chartered Life Underwriter designation. He would finish his career in the 1990’s at Philadelphia United Life, retiring from full-time employment at 62. He developed his own firm, the Collins Instruction Agency, through which he taught courses in insurance for agents interested in earning certification and licensure. During the late 1950’s and early 60’s, Collins and his brothers owned and trained thoroughbred race horses and raced them at tracks throughout Maryland and West Virginia. In 2005, Collins published a book of lyrical poetry, "Psalm of a City, Saratoga and Other Poems," Gateway Publishing. Collins appeared on WJZ-TV13, FOX45 and in local publications, including the Catholic Review, discussing his work, a portion of the sales of which benefited the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Unit at Stella Maris in Baltimore County. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2595 Interstate Dr., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.