ABOUT US
About Maher-Collins Funeral Home
Originally established in 1886 the funeral home has been in continuous operation for over 135 years. It was originally started as the John McDonald Funeral Home. Mr. McDonald passed away in the early 1900's and was succeeded by John J. Maher. Mr. Maher was born in Ireland and his family first settled in Plymouth. Prior to owning the funeral home he was employed as a railroad engineer.
Mr. Maher had three sons follow him into the business, Joseph, Daniel and John Jr. John Maher Jr. continued the operation of the business until his passing in 1980. During this time he was assisted by his wife, Evelyn Foy Maher who continued the business for several years after John's death.
In 1984 Mrs. Maher sold the business to E. Blake Collins and it was renamed Maher-Collins Funeral Home. The Collins family has a similar legacy of funeral service dating back to 1913. The funeral home is currently operated by E. Blake Collins III.
A Brief History from 1886 to Today
E. Blake Collins III "Ted" continues the family tradition today as a fourth generation funeral director. He grew up next door to the funeral home in Wilkes-Barre and spent a lot of time observing and assisting his father and grandfather. He was always interested in the funeral business and now his interest remains as he consistently focuses on new and caring ways to provide exceptional service.
His father, E. Blake Collins, likewise grew up at the funeral home and assisted his father. Blake began his professional career in 1966 after graduating from King's College and Eckles School of Mortuary Science. He set high standards for serving families with dignity and excellence.
It was under his guidance that the former John J. Maher Funeral Home in Kingston was acquired in 1984. This allowed a business that was begun in 1886 to continue to serve families, and remains one of the oldest operating funeral homes in our area. Blake was active in the community for many years until his death in 2005.
The Collins family continues to operate the original funeral home on George Avenue in Wilkes-Barre, the Maher-Collins Funeral Home in Kingston and the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Ltd. in Luzerne.
