Mr. Thomas (Tom) A. Collins, 76 of Utica passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday May 19, 2009 at his home. Tom was born in Rome, NY on November 24, 1932 the son of Francis J. and Mildred (Powell) Collins. He was raised and educated in Rome and was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. For 25 years, he was employed as a manager with Loblaws Grocery and for 10 years as a manager with Chicago Market Grocery Store. Tom enjoyed sailing on Oneida Lake and was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Collins is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John (Jack) and Doris Collins of New Hartford; his sister Gini Pauls of Marysville, WA; three nieces, Sheila Farda and her husband Tony of Deerfield, Jill Bush and her husband Gordon of Schuyler and Christine Revere and her husband Michael of New Hartford; one nephew, John F. Collins, Jr. and his wife Lisa of New Hartford and many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Francis and Mildred. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday (today) May 21, 2009 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. The Funeral and Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. For those wishing to make a donation in Tom's memory, please consider the American Heart Association. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Tom's memorial mass of Christian burial which will be celebrated on Friday May 29, 2009 at Our Lady of The Rosary Church, Burrstone Rd., New Hartford at a time to be announced in the May 27th edition of the Observer Dispatch.