Flemington - John J. Collins III died on Monday, June 22nd at age 53 in Flemington, NJ, following a 19-month battle with colon cancer. He leaves behind his mother, Kate, sister, Rachel, nephew Finlay, brother-in-law, Alex, as well as dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Born in Beverly, MA, John grew up in Newburyport and Newbury, and lived in Cambridge as a young man. At the time of his father's stroke and subsequent cancer diagnosis in 2017, John relocated to Califon, NJ to take part in his care. There he continued to live, in close proximity to his uncle Kevin, aunt Tracy, and cousin, Ella.

John made his career as an auto mechanic, but was a generally curious mind who could teach himself any skill, fix anything, and absorb a phenomenal amount of information about a wide variety of subjects. In the rural setting in which he made his home the last nine years, John enjoyed spending time with his cat, the faithful sidekick Sancho, helping to take care of the farm, and appreciating his natural surroundings on epic bike rides. He had a passion for music, a quick wit, and was committed to showing decency and kindness to everyone he encountered. It's no surprise that in his final months and weeks, John was visited by numerous longtime friends, family members, and even some recent friends, all of whom are devastated to lose such a special person.

In lieu of a funeral, John's family and friends intend to host a celebration of his life in the Newburyport area later in the summer. Further details will be communicated.