Peter Michael Collins

Peter Michael Collins, educator and scholarly author, passed away Tuesday (November 18, 2025) at the Casey House in Rockville, Maryland. He was 89 and lived in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Pete was born on March 19, 1936 in Sparta, Wisconsin to the late Gilbert W. and Ruth J. Collins.

Pete completed his undergraduate studies at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Pete then earned his M.A and Ph.D. degrees in philosophy of education from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He then accepted a position at Marquette University, where he taught numerous classes in philosophy and education for over 30 years. Pete then embarked on an international teaching career that led to the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Guam.  He ended his university teaching career at La Salle University and Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Pete’s writings on philosophy and education appeared in about 30 different scholarly journals in the United States, Australia, England, Ireland, India, and the Philippines.

Pete was an active member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Maryland, where he sponsored numerous adults entering the Catholic faith and receiving their Sacraments.  Pete thoroughly enjoyed participating in the various “book clubs” offered at Saint Mary’s where he bonded and made lasting relationships with many.

Pete was an avid sports fan with a special place in his heart for his home state Packers and Brewers, as well as his adopted Commanders and Nationals.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:30 A.M. November 26, 2025 with visitation 10:00-10:30 A.M. at the historical chapel Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, Maryland 20852.  Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Mr. Collins is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Ann; a brother, David W. Collins and sister-in-law Charlette of Suring, Wisconsin; two nephews Jason and Justin Collins; and two nieces Stephanie (Collins) Balzola and Ying-An Chen.