Obituary: Austin Donald Collins, 31, Of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Austin Donald Collins, 31, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Yale New Haven Hospital, following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Austin was born in Jacksonville, Florida on June 9, 1992 and moved to Meriden, CT in November, 2001. Grateful for the move, Austin often referred to himself as a “proud New Englander,” and was a cherished member of the Meriden community.

A proud graduate of Maloney High School, class of 2010, Austin moved on to work at a wonderful non-profit organization, Midstate ARC of Meriden, CT since he was 18 years of age. Working his way through the company, he was offered the proud position of Program Services Administrative Specialist. His career was one marked with dedication and excellence.

Leading an unconventional life, Austin met his greatest love, Amber Collins, at 13 years old. They grew up together as best friends and high school sweethearts. They were later married at the age of 18 in 2011. Together, they built a family with unconditional love and silliness.

Austin was known as a “Disney Dad” because of his devotion and sweet nature of being a father to his three beautiful children, Eden Collins, Abram Collins, and Oliver Collins.

Austin’s life was dedicated to his loving family and was the best brother his sisters, Connie Woodbeck and Rebekah Collins (Galarza) could have asked for. Austin was known for his kindness, patience, and unconditional love for them. His sisters were always so proud of him.

Austin took pride in breaking the toxic familial cycles that he grew up in. Working side by side with his wife, and sisters, Austin fostered a life and family of love, healing, understanding, peace and listening.

Austin’s life was one of active engagement. He was a brilliant artist and clay sculptor. He was a graphic designer and created stunning book covers. Austin was an avid Star Wars fan and collector. He was the ultimate gamer, loving The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption and The Witcher, and also showing no mercy to his kids in Mario Kart.

Austin was a lover of anime and Adventure Time with his daughter, Eden. A fierce Pokemon battle competitor with his son, Abe. And a Lego master builder with his youngest, Olly.

Austin loved traveling and exploring, his favorite weekend getaway being Salem, MA. He was a gifted writer and world builder. He was a talented musician, playing bass and guitar. He was obsessed with music and heavy bass lines, his favorite artist being Thundercat, which could be heard in the house daily. He collected comic books and figures and loved bingeing different tv series with his wife.

Austin made Monday nights something to look forward to as he declared it “dinner theater” which the family would sit together in the living room to watch Bob’s Burgers while eating dinner. He loved reading books at the beach and sipping on Vanilla Coke with his toes in the sand. His backyard barbecues were the absolute best and he made the most iconic trays of mac and cheese that served as a highlight to every family holiday and dinner.

Austin was an angel in human form. His love for life, his family and his friends will go unmatched. His laugh, sarcasm, quick wit, jokes, and peaceful demeanor have left an eternal light in this world.

Austin had dreams, from opening a food truck business with his best friend, Mckenzie Jean to writing hopeful television pilots with his friend, Ted Schultz.

Austin deserved more time on this Earth. He deserved to watch his children grow up and graduate high school. His children deserved to grow up and get to see their dad in the best friend stage of adulthood. He deserved the chance to see his sisters get married and walk them down the aisle.

Austin deserved to see more of this world with his wife and spend more evenings cuddled on the couch, or slow dancing in the kitchen. 31 years was not enough for such a beautiful, wholesome soul. Austin Donald Collins is missed beyond what words can describe.

Austin’s life will be carried on by his loving wife, Amber Collins; his adored children, Eden, Abram and Oliver Collins; his beautiful sisters, Connie Woodbeck, Rebekah Collins (Galarza) and Erika Daniels; his close brother in law, Santiago Galarza; his best friends who became family, Mckenzie Jean, Edwin Gonzalez, Kate & Michael Vensel, Burt Hallisey, Ted Schultz, Chris Bryant, and Dylan DeStefano; and his sweet animals that snuggled him fiercely after every chemo treatment, Ragnar, Bellatrix and Thor.

A receiving of friends to celebrate Austin’s life will take place at a future date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.