A.Scott Collins

Alexander Scott Collins passed away on April 28 in his 79th year. He died due to complications of Parkinson’s disease, which he had courageously battled for almost six years.
Scott was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1936, and was raised in nearby Collegeville, PA. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy Junior College in 1956 and Westchester University in 1959, with a bachelor’s degree in music education. He was passionate about his country and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. After teaching in Pennsylvania for three years, he accepted a position in the Glen Cove School District as an instrumental music teacher. He continued teaching in the Glen Cove school system for the next 37 years. During this time, he received a master’s degree in music education from Queens College, as well as a master’s degree in administration from the University of Arizona. Thousands of students learned the joy of music through his enthusiastic teaching. He retired in 1999.
Scott had a passion for music that extended beyond his love of teaching. He played the trombone for many different organizations over the years, including the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, the North Shore Pops, the “Something Special” Big Band, the Sagamore Hill Band and most recently with a band he helped found, the North Winds Symphonic Band. Scott also had a passion for restoring antique and classic cars, such as 1931 and 1932 Chryslers. He was also an active Boy Scout leader with Troop 184 of Glen Cove, and was honored with the Silver Beaver award for his contributions to scouting. Scott was a devoted member of The Congregational Church of Manhasset for 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda, his son Scott L. Collins (Jenni), his daughter Jennifer L. Collins, a sister Jane Varian (Basil), brothers Calvin (Margie) and Henry, his sister-in-law Nancy Youhon, and three granddaughters, Elli, Margaret and Juliana.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 30 at noon in The Congregational Church of Manhasset, 1845 Northern Blvd., Manhasset. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org memorial page) or The Congregational Church of Manhasset’s Music Memorials fund.