Fred George Collins, Jr. (Ted), 83, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Allentown, New Jersey. He was born on December 20, 1942, in Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in West Milford. Ted was the son of the late Fred Sr. and Margaret Collins, and the brother of Margaret and Robert. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country in Vietnam.

Ted married the love of his life, Linda Lee Hodge, on October 10, 1964, and they shared more than 61 wonderful years together, building a life centered on family. They raised their five children in West Milford before relocating to Allentown in 2001. Ted graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration. He held several positions in banking and finance before founding Collins First Day Covers in 1978, which he continued to run until his death. A highlight of his professional career was being named Cachetmaker of the Half-Century in 2001, though he most valued the relationships he built with his collectors.

Above all, Ted was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; children, Rebecca (John) Lawrie, Timothy (Viviana) Collins, Amanda Collins, Ryan (Heather) Collins, and Christina (Brian) Teague; fourteen grandchildren, Scott (Angela), Selena, Emma, Alexandra, Sarah, Sisley, Marcus, Lucas, Alyssa, Vinicio, Sydney, Juliana, Alexandre, and Gabriella; and great-grandsons, Kaiden and Christian. He was predeceased by his parents and his cherished granddaughter, Laila.

Ted will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his sense of humor, and the genuine connections he formed throughout his life.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 1st from 10:30 to 12:30, with a service beginning at 12:30 at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 So. Main St Allentown. Interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Wrightstown.

Due to cemetery restrictions, flowers must be limited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish (www.wish.org) in memory of his granddaughter, Laila.