OBITUARY-LANCE LONGE COLLINS
Lance Longe Collins was born on November 19, 1939 to Mary and Harrell Collins in York, PA and died on February 3, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Pedrotti Collins, sons, Paul (Denise), Steven (Nicole) and Doug, step-daughter Kathy Pedrotti Hays (Geff), twin sister Linda Collins Thomas (David Christner) ,nephews Ben, Andrew and David Thomas, grandchildren Ethan Hays, Jared, Bronson (Denys), Blake, Scott, Robert, and Crystal Collins, and great grandchildren Kyson and Ellie. Lance was very proud of his sons and grandchildren and, he considered Kathy his daughter and was very close to his nephews.
Lance was a 1964 graduate of the Temple University School of Pharmacy from which he obtained a Master's degree in Biochemistry in 1965. His interest in Pharmacy was stimulated by serving as a delivery boy for his pharmacy in York while in high school. He worked in research at Johnson and Johnson and subsequently as a pharmacist in Connecticut where his humanity was appreciated by legions of customers. He accepted a position in management for CVS-Revco which required a move to Indiana. While attending a pharmacy conference at the Pointe at Lake Monroe, IN he met, Joyce Pedrotti, leading to their fun-filled marriage of 22 years. He retired as a pharmacist in 2009.
Lance was an avid reader and consumed books on real adventure, biographies, history, business and travel. He also was a lover of a variety of popular, opera, classical and jazz music. When Lance moved to Indiana he brought with him strong athletic allegiances to University of Connecticut basketball and New England Patriots football. His allegiance to the New England Patriots shifted to the Indianapolis Colts and the Pacers were added as well. Even though the Patriots won 4 Super Bowl titles in the past decade to the Colts single one, his allegiance never wavered.
Lance missed the ocean and beaches of his New England life but found love of the water in Indiana through a lake home at Lake Cordry. The lake home provided a respite for many visitors and served as his training ground for fishing lessons for young relatives through the years. He loved to travel and visited places he never thought he would see. He learned to play bridge and he and Joyce participated in a couples bridge and gourmet group which he enjoyed. Lance also enjoyed a good glass of wine with friends.
Over the past few years, as his health changed, he became familiar with the Indiana University Health system and was very grateful for their excellent and caring treatment that made his final days much easier.
His sense of humor and kindness were cherished by all. His spirit lives on through his many and diverse friendships and memories made.
Visitation for Lance will be on Saturday, February 7th from 12:00pm-3:00pm with a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 pm, followed by a burial at Washington Park Cemetery North, 2706 Kessler Boulevard West Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Brooke's Place for Grieving (www.brookesplace.org).
Sincerely,
-Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan