John D. Collins, 88; owned several engraving companies

John D. Collins, of Hull, owner of several local engraving companies, died at Milton Hospital on Tuesday. He was 88.

Mr. Collins, who was born in Boston, grew up in Milton.

He graduated from Milton High School in 1934, and went to the University of Southern California at Los Angeles, where he received a bachelor's degree in engineering.

After college, Mr. Collins became a flight engineer at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Hartford and joined the Navy at the outbreak of World War II. He served as a flight engineer in North Africa and San Juan.

After the war, Mr. Collins worked at Donovan & Sullivan Engraving Co. in Boston.

He eventually became the owner and treasurer of several engraving companies, including Capitol Engraving Co. and Collins Plastic Plate in Boston, Kudrnac Photoengraving Co. in Pawtucket, R.I., and Collins Reyes Fotograbados in Santuree, Puerto Rico.

In the mid-1950s, Mr. Collins's photoengraving company was the first to purchase and operate a four-color printing press in Greater Boston.

He was a charter member of the National World War II Memorial Society, and a member of American Legion and the Republican National Committee.

Mr. Collins also was a member of the Wollaston Golf Club and the Advertising Club of Boston.

A sports enthusiast all his life, Mr. Collins was instrumental in organizing the first Little League baseball teams in Milton.

He leaves his wife, Mercedes A. (Iglesias) of Milton; four daughters, Hilda M. Morrill of Milton, Deborah A. of Natick, Laurie M. Shelby of White River Junction, Vt., and Mercedes A. of Scituate; two sons, Daniel J. of Palm Beach, Fla., and John D.; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Services have been held. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.