Donal Joseph Collins Obituary (1952 - 2026)

Colonel Donal J. Collins, USAF (Ret.) of Poulsbo, WA, took his final journey surrounded by his loved ones on April 20, 2026, after a courageous 6 year battle with ALS. “The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering.” Bruce Lee once said that, and no one embodied that ethos more than Colonel Donal J. Collins. Even in his final moments, his family is confident he still carried his trademark Irish humor—likely whispering “póg mo thóin” with a grin. Not even ALS could rob Don of his lifelong quest to squeeze every drop from the world around him. Colonel Donal J. Collins, United States Air Force (retired), lived life to the fullest. He loved his family fiercely, worked tirelessly, and traveled the world with an insatiable curiosity—visiting all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries. His favorite place, always, was his beloved homeland of Ireland. Born in Cork, Ireland on December 15, 1952, Don was the golden boy of his parents, John and Catherine Collins. He immigrated to the United States at age 3, joined by his aunts Eileen and Elizabeth, and grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts with his sisters Claire and Hillary. He was an exceptional athlete—track, long‑distance running, basketball, golf—and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Marian High School in 1971 as MVP of the track team and went on to earn a BA in Political Science from Assumption College, where his first child, Moire, was born. At 21, Don was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC, beginning a 27‑year military career defined by excellence, leadership, and service. He earned a master’s degree from Golden Gate University, graduated from Session 141 of the FBI National Academy, and completed the U.S. Army War College in 1995. His Air Force journey took him around the world: Pease AFB in New Hampshire (where Brendan joined the family), Clark AB in the Philippines, Howard AFB in Panama (where Rory was born), Langley AFB in Virginia (where Padraic was born), the American Southwest, the Korean Peninsula, and Davis‑Monthan AFB in Arizona (where Conor was born). He served in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and throughout Central America. He felt that his most challenging assignment was as the European Command liaison officer to UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Force) in Sarajevo in 1994, where he was instrumental in the use of NATO’s first combat action in its then 45 year history. His most rewarding and final assignment was as the Director of Security Forces to Air Combat Command at Langley AFB between 2000 and 2002, overseeing protection of 27 bases located in the U.S. and multiple deployed locations around the world with 10,700 Security Forces personnel. He commanded Security Forces squadrons at five bases worldwide and remains the only USAF officer to command two “Best in the Air Force” squadrons in back‑to‑back assignments. He retired in 2002 with the Legion of Merit and the Order of the Bayonet. After retirement from the Air Force, Don was the senior business development manager at Northrop Grumman Corporation. He was responsible for developing and deploying the Tactical Automated Security System to the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations, protecting U.S. and Coalition Forces engaged in the War on Terror. He was instrumental in introducing the Counter Rocket, Artillery Mortar System to Central Command, in Iraq and other high threat bases. He was also the point man for Northrop Grumman in Australia for the future Air Defense Systems. Don’s second career took him to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. Along the way, Don raised five spirited children—Moire, Brendan, Rory, Padraic, and Conor—with his first wife, Donna. After retiring from the military and beginning his second career, he met the love of his life, Ann Michelle Kelly Collins. Together, they traveled the world, building a life full of adventure, laughter, and deep companionship. They made their final move to Poulsbo, WA in 2020 to enjoy retirement with a beautiful view of Liberty Bay and a wonderful community of family and friends. He worked hard, but he played hard too. He was a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the Celtics. He loved the music of Jimmy Buffett, the Bee Gees, and Fleetwood Mac. He loved live music and could always be spotted on a crowded dance floor. He never met a stranger and also nurtured lifelong friendships with love and loyalty. Those who loved Don will carry his spirit with them always—not only in the stories of his extraordinary career, but in the warmth, humor, and generosity that defined him far more than any rank or accolade. His presence; equal parts strength and mischief, left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him, especially his grandchildren, the delight of the last 30 years of his life. His absence will be felt deeply, but his love, his character, and his unmistakable spark will remain alive in them. Don is survived by his wife of 16 years, Ann Michelle Kelly Collins; his five children—Moire C. Collins, Brendan G. Collins (Nikki), Rory E. Jansen, Padraic S. Collins (Heather), and Conor L. M. Collins; and nine grandchildren—Sean L. Adams, Rylie E. McDonald, Declan A. Collins, Kaitlin Q. Collins, John P. Jansen, Margaret A. Jansen, Gannon R. Collins, Samantha Adams-Collins, and Brighid M. Collins. He is also survived by his service dog Blaine. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Collins, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: • Paralyzed Veterans of America • Canine Companions • ALS Association A funeral at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.