It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Fr. Denis E. Collins, SJ on May 2, 2022. Denny was born November 8, 1938 in Oakland, CA, entered the Society of Jesus on August 14, 1956, and was ordained June 7, 1969 at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. He pronounced his final vows on July 28, 1979. He was 83 years old and a Jesuit for 65 years.
Denny devoted his life to serving in higher education as an assistant professor at the School of Education at the University of San Francisco from 1987 to 2005, taught at several colleges in southern California, and served as pastoral minister for the Diocese of Fresno and at the Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos before moving to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in 2016.
At USF, Denny is fondly remembered for his work in and approach to Catholic Educational Leadership. Students enjoyed his philosophy courses which were centered on the work of Paulo Freire. One of his students, Dr. Mike Duffy writes that Denny “was a wonderful Professor and Pastor who was committed to justice and liberation.”
The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 11:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the private Mass will be live-streamed.
Notes of Condolence may be sent to the following:
Brendan Collins (nephew)
25551 Orchard Rim Lane
Lake Forrest, CA 92630
Patricia Collins (sister-in-law)
37600 Elizabeth Drive
Lebanon, OR 97355
Sacred Heart Jesuit Center
PO Box 128
Los Gatos, CA 95030-7009
Our condolences go out to Denny’s family, friends, and the Jesuit community.