John “Sam” Collins of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on December 20, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer.

John was born on July 20 in New Jersey to Jack and Mignon Collins. After his family settled in St. Petersburg, Florida, he attended Boca Ciega High School and Lakewood High School, where his love for sport, particularly softball, took root and flourished.

An avid fisherman, John had a special affinity for snook and a deep appreciation for Florida’s wildlife and natural beauty. He embraced the outdoors and everything the state had to offer.

John was truly a force of nature. Family, friends, and animals meant more to him than anything else in the world, a sentiment he expressed often and lived by daily. He shared one daughter, Samantha (Alex), with his former wife, Terry. John later married Cindy, who brought into his life three adult stepsons (Ryan, Donald, Jason) and grandchildren from Ryan (Madison, Hailey, Hayden, Nolan, Ellie). John and Cindy spent many happy years together before she too passed away from cancer. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mignon Collins, and by his wife, Cindy.

A lifelong baseball enthusiast, John worked in Security for the Tampa Bay Rays for many years. Whether on the job or off the clock, he could almost always be found cheering on the Rays with pride and enthusiasm.

In lieu of flowers, spend your time in this world living an enjoyable life and being good to others. Should you wish to contribute in another way, donations may be made to The John “Sam” Collins Memorial Scholarship, and individuals who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply: https://bold.org/scholarships/john-sam-collins-memorial-scholarship/

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