CHARLTON – Thomas E. Collins, 85, of Charlton, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Lillian M. (Lair) Collins of Charlton who died in 2004. He is survived by two children, Thomas R. Collins and his close companion Judith Empie of Charlton, and Kathleen A. Collins of Auburn; and a large extended family including many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters. He was born in Queens, New York City, NY, the son of the late Frank J. and Emilie (Weiss) Collins, and lived in Huntington Station, Long Island, NY, before moving to Charlton in 1968. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.

Mr. Collins owned and operated the Old Lamp Shop in Charlton, specializing in repair, restoration, manufacturing, and sales of antique lamps since 1968. Over the years, many interesting and diverse people from throughout the country had become repeat visitors to his shop and he made many lifelong friends. Prior to relocating his family to Charlton, he was a development company machine shop foreman on Long Island. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 1469 in Huntington Station and was a member of the Joel H. Prouty Masonic Lodge in Auburn. Mr. Collins was a member of the Rushlight Club and a former member of the Charlton Historical Society. He enjoyed collecting early lighting, antiques, flea marketing and loved history.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 5, 2012, at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oxford. Burial will follow at Northside Cemetery in Charlton. Calling hours are Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 5-8 p.m., at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial donations may be made to the Overlook Masonic Health Center, P.O. Box 1000, Charlton, MA 01507. www.paradisfuneralhome.com