Born in Astoria, New York, to Brendan and Catherine Collins, John is the oldest of four, with younger siblings Kathleen, Danny and Rita.  John’s Irish heritage on his father’s side comes from the grandparents who hailed from Co. Limerick and Co. Claire and further back on his mother’s side from Co. Dublin and Co. Tipperary.  In 1995, he married Patrice Buckley (Co. Kerry) and they have three children, Cathrena, Conor and Ciaran.  That same year (same weekend actually), John graduated St. John’s University School of Law and currently practices law in Westchester County.

In 2003, John and family moved to Eastchester and was encouraged by good friend Brendan Lynch to join the Eastchester Irish American Social Club.  After joining the club, John acted as recording secretary and helped run events, such as the summer family barbecue and the Christmas party.  Although he did not have an integral role in the beginning, he supported the first Eastchester St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2005 and since that time has been active in public relations and line of march for this yearly event. 

In 2011, John served as vice-president under the Steve Doherty administration and in 2013, ascended to the presidency.  During his tenure, John pushed to modernize the club’s website that helped increase membership.  He cultivated a relationship with Eastchester’s Italian American Citizen’s Club from which the Eastchester Cup, our yearly scholarship golf outing, as well as many friendships were born.  Given his running prowess, he advocated strongly for the Eastchester 5K, which got its humble beginnings through the Eastchester Irish while he was president.

Quote: “My family and I love Eastchester and I am eternally grateful for the Eastchester Irish for befriending us and making us feel comfortable in this once new setting.  This organization has also provided the platform for which I was able to give back to the Town and raise money and awareness to great causes.”