On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Lawrence F. Collins III, of 38 Floral Ave, Malden, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and six children after his courageous battle with ALS.

Larry was born in Boston and was a lifelong Malden resident. He was educated through the Malden Public Schools graduating in 1980 from Malden High School where he played football. After graduation, he joined the Navy, where spent six years touring the world as an aviation electrician. Throughout his life, he would share his stories on airplane carriers and times he spent in Germany and the Azores. He was especially proud that he is one of the few who was a “shell-back”. After returning home, he attended Wentworth Institute to obtain his Electrical Journeyman License.

While attending his fifth-year high school reunion, he met his wife, Millie (Tortorella). The two immediately fell in love and from that point on they never left each other's side. They married in 1988 and had six children: Frank, Charlie, Nina, Robert, Aidan, and Paul. Larry was especially proud of his children, each bringing him joy in their own special way. His love of sports drove him to be a coach for many of Malden’s teams. He enjoyed coaching his children in baseball, football, and basketball. One could find him before an upcoming game making sure Bruce field was perfect. He loved the Patriots and Bruins and was hopeful for this upcoming season for the Patriots!

His knowledge of sports trivia was to be envied. Often coming up with facts regarding a sport from the ‘70’s and relating it to current players or situations. His passion led him to attend special events such as the 2013 Red Sox parade, Tom Brady’s number retirement, the Army-Navy game, and many more. This was made even more special as he attended them with his children creating lifelong memories.

After the Navy, Larry’s love of trains naturally led him to be employed by Amtrak and subsequently, Keolis Commuter Services. He spent 27 years at the railroad and ended his career there as an electrical foreman. During those years he was respected and loved by so many of his colleagues. He kept in touch with them often visiting with them both at the warehouse and at his home sharing countless laughs and memories.

Larry took his relationships with his players, co-workers, and friends very seriously. He knew when someone needed help and was at the ready for whatever was needed. You could find him filling out Valentine’s Day cards in February for co-workers or making sure there was Halloween candy for all to have at work. He prided himself on being a support for anyone in need. He “passed the hat” for new babies being born, retirements, illnesses, or weddings! He loved being a support for people.

Larry loved music and had a playlist that goes on forever! He enjoyed history and loved reading and sharing stories of important historical events and places. Additionally, he could quote from a wide range of movies including The Bird Cage to Hunt for Red October and everything in between!! He especially enjoyed watching movies with his son, Charlie, sharing many laughs over countless movies.

Larry had many passions that filled his life, but what made him the happiest was his family. He loved being a husband and father. His love and support for his wife and children was boundless.

As a “stay at home“dad in the early years, you could find Larry out with his children at the library, bowling, or having a picnic lunch at the park. He loved being a Dad. He opened opportunities for his children to experience movies, concerts, museums and the importance of their education. Whether it was driving his kids to school at 5 am every morning, always attending important IEP meetings, attending school concerts, participating in the Beebe School spelling bees, doing electrical presentations for his children’s classmates, cheering them on from the bleachers at sporting events, or simply asking how their day was at the dinner table, he loved being a Dad. He loved bringing his family to Maine to enjoy the peacefulness and made yearly trips to cut down enormous Christmas trees! The only thing he loved more was being a husband to his beloved, Millie. He adored his wife and would make sure that he got a card and flowers for each and every occasion. He made sure that he would take her out on special date nights and weekend trips to Maine where a poorly taken but beloved selfie was always included. His support and love for his wife and children will carry them throughout their lives.

Larry found himself faced with many health challenges throughout the years. But would overcome each with the drive and commitment he brought to everything in his life.

In late 2024, Larry would eventually learn of a new battle, ALS. A disease that takes away dignity and independence. Again, Larry fought this battle with courage and determination. He never gave up on his exercises, appointments, or event planning to raise money towards ALS research. His plans included golf, hockey, and softball tournaments. Thank you to everyone who supported Larry throughout his battle. Everyone he touched gave back the support he showed throughout his life and we thank you!

Larry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Millie Tortorella Collins and their six children, Frank, Charlie, Nina, Robert, Aidan, and Paul. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends including his life-long friends Neil Sullivan, Dominic Russo, and Dominic Leuzzi. He was predeceased by his loving father, Lawrence F. Collins and brother, Sean Collins.

The Collins family would like to thank his caregiver, Caitlin Murphy, for her tireless commitment and support to Larry throughout his battle.

Funeral service will be held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Thursday July 16th at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday July 15th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Interment will be in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.

Additionally, Larry’s family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at the MGB and VA ALS clinics and the Neurology Floors of Lunder 6 and 8 at MGB for the love and care they showed throughout Larry’s battle. We especially appreciate the help from Cathy and Naomi who were continuous and vigorous in their support and caregiving for both Larry and his family throughout the journey ALS took them on. Additionally, special thank you to his VA nurse Kim, the entire HBVA team, his Qualsody team Zia, Pravin, Claire, Judy, Sofia, and the rest of the MGB ALS Clinic Team for their care throughout his ALS journey. Thank you to CCALS for all of their support throughout this journey. Please see their link below for more information regarding information and donation opportunities. Also, special thanks to Orazio Guevara and the Just Build It team and all the electrical and plumbing volunteers.

In lieu of flowers, please support the ALS Angel Fund for Research in memory of Larry. Checks can be made out to The Angel Fund for ALS Research and sent to 649 Main St in Wakefield, MA 01880 or donations can be made online at in http://theangelfund.org in memory of Larry Collins. The link for CCALS is ccals.org/.