In Loving Memory

Joseph Michael Collins, Jr.

July 3, 1969 - June 8, 2026

Joseph "Joe" Michael Collins, Jr., who lived every day like it was a bonus, died suddenly on June 8, 2026. He was 56.

A proud alum of Mount Saint Joseph High School, Joe attended Towson University, where he secured a key position as a walk-on defensive back with the Towson Tigers football team. Following graduation he worked at Hechinger's and then formed a business partnership and started Cross Street Automotive, a successful and highly rated automotive repair shop in Federal Hill. Joe would later sell the "shop" and begin a career in real estate, but not before he met his wife, Christine, a newcomer to Baltimore. Within weeks of meeting, Joe and Christine were inseparable and eventually settled in the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore, where they bought a home and started a family.

A man of many talents and interests, when Joe wanted to do or try something, he would find a way. He loved to read and was a talented artist, and was proud to have written and self-published a book after years of developing the story in his head. Joe worked incredibly hard and built multiple small businesses over the years, demonstrating that perseverence pays off. Once, inspired by a reality show, he spent hours collecting a certain type of rock and "mined" gold, patiently explaining the process to anyone who would listen.

Joe loved his hometown and all it had to offer him and his family. An avid Ravens fan, he enjoyed watching games and would later share that love of football with his three sons, Jacob, Tucker and Oliver. One of his favorite experiences was a road trip to Super Bowl XLVII when the Ravens squeaked out a win over the 49ers. Joe also enjoyed baseball games at Camden yards, outdoor concerts and movies, the Science Center and other museums, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and many more. Most Fridays were spent asking "what should we do this weekend?" and he liked finding new things to do and places to discover.

He also appreciated travel and wanted to share the world with his family. He told stories about his international adventures and kept a notebook of the places he'd been with his boys, along with places they should go next. From Texas to Maine, Florida to Hawaii, Joe found adventure everywhere he went and made friends along the way.

Joe passed on an appreciation of all things Marvel and Star Wars. He could talk endlessly about Bigfoot and dreamed of going on a "Bigfoot hunt." Joe curated an incredible collection of movies and passed on a love of the screen to his boys; they could often be found planning to catch the next new release or researching whether a movie should be "previewed" for the youngest viewer. A lifelong fan of WWE, he enjoyed sharing his vast trivia knowledge with fellow fans, including his boys. He adored amusement parks and would have happily agreed to spend every weekend hitting the roller coasters. Joe would often brag that the fireworks on 4th of July were to celebrate his birthday the day before, but his favorite holiday was Christmas and he loved to find and give gifts to the people he cared about. He could fix almost anything and nearly single-handedly renovated the family's home. Joe never met a zoo he didn't like, or a water park he didn't want to visit. He made the best sandwiches and popcorn, cracked ridiculous jokes, was fiercely loyal and quick to laugh. As a final act, Joe reminded the world of his generous spirit by giving the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

A family man, Joe was determined to provide for his wife and boys and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of his sons and his wife, and tried his best to support them. They in turn learned so much from him about living out loud and on your own terms. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Christine Peterson; son Jacob (Elizabeth Crampton) Collins and his mother Jennifer Collins; sons Tucker Collins and Oliver Collins; parents Joseph Michael Collins and Donna Collins; brother, Paul (Heather) Collins; nephew Kyle Collins and niece Kasey Collins; and numerous extended family members. He is preceded in death by his bestest good boi, Dakota, and puppers Oscar and Harley. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Memorial Education Fund to support his wish that the boys pursue higher education or a trade. Private viewing for immediate family only; details regarding a Celebration of Life and link to RSVP can be found at https://everloved.com/life-of/joseph-collins-jr/. 

We invite you to join us honoring Joseph’s life on this dedicated webpage. Your condolences, stories, videos and pictures will be cherished by the family and provide comfort during this difficult time.

Care Entrusted to

Beltway Cremation Center

124 E. Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009

240-246-0400

www.BeltwayCremationCenter.com