Robert John Collins

Robert John Collins, age 53, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, surrounded by family.

Robert was born in Elk Grove Village, IL on May 24, 1970. He was a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School where he found the love of music that he further pursued in college.  Robert graduated from Millikin University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with the mission of sharing his love of music with his beloved students.  Music was central to Robert’s life. He sang in church choirs, weddings, and concert venues, and he met his wife through their mutual love of music education. Their girls have also inherited the love of music.

After many years of teaching music and choir, he went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.  Robert joined the administrative staff in Hawthorn School District 73 where he served as Assistant Principal and ultimately Principal at Hawthorn Middle School North.  He loved being a principal and dedicated his career to providing a positive and strong learning environment for all students in his building. In 2018, he was recognized by the esteemed Illinois Principal’s Association Lake County Principal of the Year Award. Robert was also a long-time active member of the Chicago Chamber Choir, Bass Section leader, and President of the Chicago Chamber Board of Directors. From 2019 to the present, Robert was an elected member of the Wauconda CUSD 118 Board of Education Member and was active with educational speaking engagements that focused on creating quality educational programs for all students throughout his leadership career; including Harvard University and Syracuse University.

Robert's courage and determination inspired us. He showed us the true meaning of strength, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every moment. He wanted nothing more than to get home to his wonderful family, get back to the profession he loved, and to visit his favorite places- sunny destinations with beaches and Door County, Wisconsin. We will forever remember his warm heart, dedication to family and friends, his hard work, his optimism, and his love for life.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Kathy Collins (nee Hitz); his loving daughters, Mary and Kaitlyn Collins; parents, Daniel and Diane (nee Burkross) Collins; sister, Karin (nee Collins) and John Karecki with his nieces Katherine, Emily, Daniel and Samantha; and sister, Sarah (nee Collins) and Barry Montgomery with his niece Caroline.

Preceded in death by his grandparents Hugh & Catherine (nee Finley) Collins and Robert & Florence (nee Haisler) Burkross.

A memorial visitation for Robert will be held from 3pm until 9pm on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 South Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich Illinois 60047 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to College Funds for Robert’s daughters, Mary and Kaitlyn.

Checks should be made payable to Bright Directions and the memo should read "Collins College Donations." Checks should be mailed to:

Kathy Collins
PO Box 87
Wauconda, IL 60084

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the future college expenses for Robert's daughters, Mary and Kaitlyn. To donate online, please click here .