Michael A. Collins

ROTTERDAM – Michael A. Collins, 58, of Rotterdam, passed away on Saturday January 15, 2022 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, after a yearlong fight with Glioblastoma.

Mike was born in Albany to Janet Parisi and John Evanchuk. He was adopted and raised by Elizabeth Collins and the late Donald Collins. Mike graduated from Draper High School and Hudson Valley Community College. He had attended SUNY Buffalo and the Culinary Arts Institute in Hyde Park. Mike was the co-owner of Lucia’s Two Go in Rotterdam for over twenty-five years. He was determined, dependable, selfless, and remarkably generous. His unwavering work ethic couldn’t be beaten. He was always present for his cherished family and friends and would frequently volunteer his cooking skills at food kitchens, his sports knowledge to help coach or encourage his kids’ sports teams, and would quietly, yet generously, donate to various food drives in the community.

Mike was a health and fitness enthusiast. He participated in many races and endurance challenges, always prodding others to do the same. A couple of his most enjoyable endeavors were swimming/running in the Escape from Alcatraz race in San Francisco (twice!), and taking the annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge in Lake George numerous times. Playing basketball, as well as coaching his kids in it, was one of his biggest passions. He enjoyed biking, and he had picked up a joy of hiking in the Adirondacks in the last few years as well. Instead of sitting on the beach, like the rest of us, and relaxing at the family place in Sacandaga, he would be seen moving rocks, clearing tree roots, swimming back and forth to Sand Island, and grilling for the family. We will spend a lifetime trying to replicate his famous lobster marinade!

Mike is the beloved husband of 33 years to Annette Wertalik Collins. He is the devoted father of Caitlyn Collins (Charlie Swift), Brian Collins and Jillian Collins. Mike is the brother of Robert (Sheri) Collins, Lisa (Kelly) Walters and Douglas Evanchuk. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. His sharp wit, dark humor, straight shooting opinions, and sarcastic quips will be sorely missed by all…although his children appear to have inherited quite a bit of it to carry on to future generations! Mike will also be missed by his canine companions, Jax and Bailey.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mike’s family on Monday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. Face masks are required. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row. Albany NY 12205 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. To leave a message of condolence for the family or to view Mike’s custom video tribute, visit www.CannonFuneral.com