Arthur Collins Jr. ’52 *56

Art died peacefully at his home in Wilton, Conn., Sept. 3, 2005, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born in New York City, he prepared for Princeton at Kent School, and at Princeton he prospered as an architecture major, a hockey-team stalwart, and Cottage Club member.

After serving two years in the Navy and earning his MFA in architecture from Princeton in 1956, Art commenced a long and distinguished career in real-estate development. He began in New York and later, with his founding of Collins Development Corp. in 1969, concentrated in Connecticut and New Jersey. Among his distinguished work is today's Palmer Square. He purchased the square from the University in 1980, redeveloped it, and later sold it.

Art's lifelong passions included the sea, sailing, and maritime history; ice hockey, which he played competitively into his 70s; horseback riding the world over, especially with Chips Chester and Bob Jiranek; and Kent School, whose campus he helped shape.

A strong family man, he reveled in having his sons, Arthur and Dwight, work with him. In addition to them, Art is survived by his wife, Judith; daughter Merrill; stepson Benjamin; brother Hunt; and six grandchildren. To the family, the class extends deepest condolences.

The Class of 1952