Ronald E. Collins, veteran, retired dentist
Ronald E. Collins, DDS, 92, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Saturday, July 8, 2023.
He was born in Hastings, Pa., Dec. 25, 1930, son of the late Henry J. and Rachel Elizabeth Collins. Dr. Ron began his undergraduate education at St. Francis College, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, completing his degree in two and a half years. He then earned a doctorate of dental surgery at University of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, graduating magna cum laude, and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Gorgas Odonatological Honorary Society. Dr. Ron completed a one-year internship at Walter Reed Medical Center, and then served a tour of duty as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. He later completed his postgraduate education in orthodontics, spending two years at Columbia University/Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and pedodontics at UNC, Chapel Hill. Dr. Ron’s dental practice began over 50 years ago. He loved creating smiles for generations and the practice continues with his daughter, Dr. Lynn.
Dr. Ron was a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, Orthodontic Alumni Society of Columbia University, National Begg Society, and Rotary Club of Newark. He also served as a chairman of the Ethics Committee of Delaware State Dental Society for eight years and on the board of advisors to the Dental Section of Hodgson Vocational High School.
Ron possessed a keen mind and a very wide range of interests. His hobbies spanned from building and flying model airplanes in the 1960s to an interest in restoration of classic automobiles. Dr. Ron loved traveling and visited Europe numerous times. He also loved skiing, boating, and most of all, time spent with his family and his beloved canine companion, Redford.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Catherine M. (Schreppler) Collins; and sister-in-law, Ann Collins. He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine K. Collins; children, Carolyn Toggas (Dave), Dr. Lynn Collins (Todd Yetter), Lisa Collins, Dr. Daniel E. Collins, Dr. Andrew R. Collins (Tracey) and Anne Dee Conway (Timothy); siblings, Marlene D. Horleman (William), Dr. Dale R. Collins (Priscilla), Dr. Gary R. Collins and Sherri F. Sewell (Edward “Chip”); grandchildren, Kyle Hasson (Leighann Jones), Catherine Chalabala (Clint), Keeley Egan, Abigail Ciach, Joshua Conway, Cora Conway, Nathaniel Collins and Christian Collins; and great-grandchild, Corrie Jay Chalabala.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, July 21, at Holy Angels R.C. Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Ron’s memory to Wilmer Eye Institute Development Office, Attn: Dr. Albert Jun Research, 600 N. Wolfe St., Wilmer 112, Baltimore, MD 21287.
To leave online condolences, visit spicermullikin.com.
