Paul Francis Collins

In Loving Memory of Paul Francis Collins
Paul Collins, age 64, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 6, 2026. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, William and Constance Collins, and by siblings, Madeline Plansky and Jackie Collins. He is survived by his wife, Monica, son Nicholas, step-children Emily and Nathan Swanson, daughter-in-law Conner Allen and grandson, Roger Swanson. He is also survived by siblings Michael (Carolann) Collins, Mark (Laura) Collins, Bill (Karen) Collins, and Maryann (Carl) Corsello. Paul grew up in Arlington, MA, attending Arlington High School and then Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1994. Paul married Monica in 2003. The two shared immense, lasting joy together, both in the lab in which they both worked and at home where they raised Nicholas. Paul loved Monica with his whole being. Paul was profoundly interested in the neurobiology of personality and human attachment as well as adolescent neurodevelopment. He was known for his passion, his ever-present sense of humor, quick and sometimes irreverent wit, selfless heart, empathy, compassion, and brilliant mind. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. His talents brought enormous successes to others in ways that he did not seek credit for. Paul loved music, playing the guitar, body surfing during annual beach vacations, and athletics, especially basketball. But he was most devoted to his family. His son Nicholas and wife Monica were the lights of his life. As Nicholas grew, Paul relished opportunities to coach his baseball and basketball teams. Through countless loving actions, he supported, taught, and cared for Nicholas, developing a relationship rooted in reciprocal love and trust. He loved being a dad. Paul experienced chronic pain and reduced mobility due to degenerative disc disease. In recent years, he suffered from a disabling chronic fatigue condition. Despite enormous physical challenges, he maintained a passion for life, a keen interest in others, a love of science, and a profound hope that his health would improve. He was loved more deeply than we can describe, and we are forever grateful for the many memories that we shared. A visitation will be held at O’Halloran and Murphy funeral home (575 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN, 55116) on Saturday June 13, 2026 from 3-5PM. Funeral services are being planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cecilia Kay Collins to Robert’s Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics (SUDP), Boston Children’s Hospital are appreciated.

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