Edward Bruce Collins

Edward Bruce Collins passed away on July 23, 2026, losing the  more than 2-decade battle with the effects of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Ed was born on June 7, 1955 in Montgomery County Maryland to Julia Ellis and Webster Collins.

He graduated from Richard Montgomery High School where he played football and was a state champion track team member. He attended both Montgomery College and Old Dominion University.

Ed joined IBM in 1979 where he spent his entire career. He received multiple employee awards including the prestigious IBM Means Service Award. He was proud of being part of IBM’s  mentor program for at risk youth as well.

On August 18, 1979, he married Dona Breland. Together they raised three children- the light of his life.

During his life he participated in numerous civic activities. These included the president of two homeowners associations, president of Mt. Harmony PTA, officer of Dunkirk Warriors Boys and Girls Club as well as a vestry member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, twice holding the position of Junior Warden. In his later years, he was extremely active in the Rock Steady Boxing program. This program is specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders.

Ed supported and further encouraged his children’s interests while fulfilling the roles of little league coach, Odyssey of the Mind coach and traveling to cheerleading competitions. In his youth, his favorite hang out was the Ranch Club Lake Lariat where he hosted his many friends. He loved playing guitar, going to concerts, spoiling his pets and mostly being surrounded by family and friends.

Edward is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dona Breland Collins, his children Erin(Ethan), Elyse(Richie}, Evan(Danielle); JD Bauserman to whom Ed referred to as “our oldest child”; grandchildren Riley and Reagan Loeb, Dylan, Gibson and Addilyn King; Jace, Audrey, Jackson and Jonah Dibble. Additionally, he is survived by siblings Connie Bland, Richard and James Collins as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeseased by his parents Webster and Julia Collins, in-laws Carl and Mary Louise Breland as well as Jeanette Hull.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Parkinson’s Disease related charity or foundation.