Stanford S. Collins Sr.

• Operator
• New Orleans Fire Department
• Louisiana
• Age: 71
• Year of Death: 2022

If you ever had the pleasure of knowing Stanford Sidney Collins Sr., you realized early on that God put a very special piece of himself on earth for many to enjoy, learn, and benefit from. His life was one to look up to, even though he never gained or sought earthly fame and glory.

Stanford Collins Sr. was born on February 22, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son of William Collins Sr. and Olivia Holt and the youngest of five siblings. He attended LSU and graduated from Delgado University. He started his career as a firefighter in 1970 and later become an operator.

Stanford never met a stranger, as he was able to strike up conversations with anyone, everywhere he went. He carried a strong stance but displayed a kind disposition. He assisted many family members with shelter for decades, not asking for any compensation in return. He would lend a helping hand to anyone he saw stranded on the side of the road, would do handyman work, and cut the grass of the elderly in the neighborhood without payment for his time or the services he provided.

Stanford Collins Sr. was a multi-talented man. He had a knack to pick up any instrument and learn to play it. He made jewelry. His culinary talents brought several generations to the table, where he displayed his knowledge and gave advice to many, changing the course of many lives. Stanford’s knowledge was second to none. He could speak for hours on politics, on money matters, and on events and how they shaped the lives of people.

When he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004, he was given six months to a year to live. He loved his job and wasn’t ready when illness forced him to retire in 2006. However, that was not the end of his story. After more than eighteen years of living with cancer, he passed away on September 22, 2022, at the age of 72.

He is still beloved by many, beginning with the love of his life, Jacquelyn N. Collins, to whom he was married for 48 years; his two sons, Stanford Collins II and Mervin Collins Sr.; his five grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends, including in-laws, siblings, nephews, nieces, friends, and his firefighter brothers, who shared his life and continue to love him. There are many individuals who call Stanford S. Collins Sr. “Dad” or “Grandpa.” He had absolutely no blood connection to them, but they were all family.