Bayonne Post Office Re-Named Today

“Dennis P. Collins Post Office Building”

Bayonne, NJ. — Postal Representatives, Congressional and Community leaders came together today in a 2:00 p.m. ceremony to re-name the Bayonne Post Office in honor of former Mayor Dennis P. Collins. Postmaster Terrence Ruane remarked it is truly a mark of distinction to have his building re-named in honor of someone who means so much to the people of Bayonne. “This event means a lot to me personally as I consider Mayor Collins my dear friend” said Ruane.

Public Law 110-124, was signed into law by President Bush on November 26, 2007. Introduced by both Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Albio Sires the Bill has full sponsorship of the entire New Jersey delegation. Today’s ceremony marks the official renaming of the Bayonne Post Office at 570 Broadway to now be known as the “Dennis P. Collins Post Office Building.”

Congressman Sires had this to say about today’s event, “Mayor Collins is a legend in my congressional district for his long time public service to the people of his community and the State of New Jersey. I always admired how Mayor Collins ran his city so efficiently while never losing sight of the needs of his constituents needs. I see no better way than to honor him today then by naming this Bayonne post office after him so his legacy will continue in the city forever.”

“Mayor Collins is deserving of this honor as much for his personal humility as well as his resolute dedication to the citizens of Bayonne,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, main sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “Mayor Collins has left an indelible mark in the lives of the people of Bayonne and this rededication will insure that future generations never forget what he has done for this city. I was thrilled to be the one to advance this legislation, and honored to attend this beautiful ceremony. I congratulate Mayor Collins and his family not only for this distinction; but also for being an example of leadership and service to the people of Bayonne.”

Dennis P. Collins was elected to his first of three terms on the Bayonne Municipal Council, two of which he served as Council President in 1962. Followed by four terms as Mayor. He is the first individual to serve seven consecutive four-year terms in elective office and four consecutive four-year terms as Mayor in the history of Bayonne’s municipal government. Collins succeeded the late Mayor Francis G. Fitzpatrick in 1974 and retired as Mayor in 1990, however remained in public life.

A life long resident of Bayonne, Collins whose Irish roots are in County Cork, was born at Swiney Hospital in Bayonne to John and Julia Collins. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army for three years, and participated in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations. Married to the former Mary Bray, with whom he has three children and three grandchildren. Collins is considered a legendary Mayor and a role model by public officials across the state.