Francis J. Collins

IN MEMORIAM

Saturday, December 6, 2025 was a bittersweet day at Collins Hannafin, P.C.  Bitter in that we lost our long-time dear friend, firm founder and trusted colleague Francis J. Collins.  Sweet in that the celebration of a life lived to the fullest could begin.

In 1963 Francis J. (Fran) Collins, up until that point a lifelong resident of Danbury, began the Danbury law firm of Collins Hannafin, P.C. (at that time called Cutsumpas & Collins) with his longtime high school best friend and fellow Danbury High School graduate Lloyd Cutsumpas.  In addition to successfully practicing law for over 50 years, he had a list of accomplishments which anyone would find difficult to achieve in a single lifetime.  These included serving as a representative in the Connecticut House of Representatives representing the towns of Brookfield and Bethel in the 107th District.  He would later rise to the position of Speaker of the House in 1973 and in 1974 was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor.  Thereafter, he would act as mentor to fellow Brookfield resident M. Jodi Rell in her rise to political prominence which culminated in 2004 with Ms. Rell being elected as the 66th Governor for the State of Connecticut.  Fran was an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.  He acted as a trial referee.  He was a director and past chairman of the Danbury Chamber of Commerce.  Fran acted as a director and chairman of the board of directors for Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company.  He was a long-time member of the Brookfield Lions Club.  Fran was a devoted supporter of the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut and was instrumental in the campaign to build The Center for Comfort Care & Healing alongside his friend and colleague, M. Jodi Rell.  He was a six-decade member and longtime supporter of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Brookfield.  These are just some of his many professional and civic accomplishments.

Words used to describe him by those who had contact with him are friendly, skillful, determined, loyal, dedicated, trustworthy and compassionate.  Fran was the ultimate gentleman, always operating with both purpose and grace. He is and will continue to be, sorely missed.

He has built a foundation at Collins Hannafin, P.C. which each and every one of its employees will continue to do their best to honor and perpetuate!

Christopher K. Leonard, President