Dermot Collins, OFM

1924 – 1979

Fr. Dermot Collins, OFM, was born on Nov. 20, 1924 in Buffalo, N.Y. After graduating from high school, he served as a paratrooper in the United States Army, earning a bronze star for “meritorious achievement in the face of an armed enemy.”

After World War II, he attended Canisus College in Buffalo before entering St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y. Fr. Dermot was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1951, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1955 and was ordained a priest later that year.

His first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, where he served as a chaplain for the Franciscan Pilgrimages. In 1957, Fr. Dermot went to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Triangle, Va., where he assisted for one year. He was then assigned to St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., where he served in various capacities: as a professor of accounting and business, prefect in the residence halls, director of admissions, assistant in the financial aid office, and procurator of the friary.

Fr. Dermot was a quiet and unassuming friar with a good sense of humor. He enjoyed entertaining with jokes, songs, costumes and funny stories. His laughter was infectious and his joy genuine, a prayerful friar who enjoyed his community.

He died suddenly on Oct. 6, 1979. Fr. Dermot was 54 years old, a professed friar for 27 years and a priest for 24 years.