Fr. Denis Collins

COLLINS, Rev Fr Denis Patrick:
Died peacefully at Nazareth House, Christchurch on March 6, 2026. Son of the late Denis and Norah Collins. Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of John and Maeve Collins (both deceased) and Margaret and Tony Giannotti. Loved uncle, great-uncle and great-great uncle.

Ordained Priest of the Wellington Diocese for 67 years.

A Rosary will be recited at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 40 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington, at 7pm on Monday, March 16, where Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10.30am on Tuesday, March 17, to be followed by burial at Karori Cemetery.

“Requiescat in Pace”.

Messages to the family may be made online at lychgate.co.nz/send-a-tribute/ or posted c/- Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis Street, Wellington 6011

Tributes

Gabrielle ORourke

Our family (The O’Rourke’s) wish to send our sincere sympathy to Father’s family. Father Collins was such a wonderful man. He always took the time to pop in to see Mum and Dad whenever he was in Wellington and said mass for us on many an occasion. Father was such a patient and thoughtful man. He truly cared for us all. He knew all us ‘kids’ and asked after every family member by name whenever we were in touch. His interest was genuine and was are so grateful to known him. It was lovely to reconnect with Father late last year and have a catch up by phone. There is no doubts where he is heading now – no one could deny him a direct ticket through the Pearly Gates

Paul, Aldona & John Yardley

We extend our sympathy to the Collins family. Our association with the family extends back to our grandparents (Moriarty) and the friendship continued with Father Denis, our parents, aunty and ourselves. Father Denis told us that he had appreciated my father arranging work at the Harbour Board when he was on holiday while training at Mosgiel Holy Cross Seminary. We had kept in contact over the years, particularly over holiday periods when Father was the parish priest in Picton. He was always interested in our family and we are very grateful for the many masses he had offered for us all over the years. He was a great servant of the Lord. May he rest in peace.
The Yardley Family

John Kennedy-Good

On behalf of the Board of Bishop Snedden Retirement Village Ltd and The Wellington Catholic Homes Trust I express our sincere condolences to the family of Fr Denis who was a respected and value member of the Bishop Snedden Village.
I regret that I am unable to attend either his Rosary or his funeral.
May Fr Denis Rest in Peace in the knowledge that, along with Saint Paul, he “fought the good fight, that he finished the race, that he kept the faith’
Blessings to you all,
John Kennedy-Good
Chair, Bishop Snedden Retirement Village Ltd

Monica Nicholas

On behalf of the residents of Bishop Snedden Retirement Village we would like to let you know how sorry we are to hear that Fr Denis has passed away. Please express our condolences to the family.
Monica
Chair Snedden Village Residents Committee