Matthew (Matt) James Collins, 64, passed away on December 11, 2025, in Irvine, California. Matt led a happy and active life filled with family and friends. He loved living in sunny Southern California and enjoying its beauty, spending time with cousins and friends, dining out, bowling, rooting for his favorite baseball teams and researching family genealogy. Matt was born on December 25, 1960, and according to his mother, he was delivered to her in a Christmas stocking. He delighted in sharing his excitement about cashing in on birthday freebies each year, from Starbucks to Baskin Robbins. Matt was born in Southern California and lived there until 1967, when his family moved to New York. In 1968, he lived in Florida before returning to Northern California. He completed his primary and secondary education in Morgan Hill and later attended Gavilan College and San Jose State University. Matt worked in Silicon Valley for many different companies and, after much thought, decided to return to Southern California, where he continued his career in the technical manufacturing industry. Matt was preceded in death by his father, Bob; his mother, Loretta; and his youngest sister, Marianne. He is survived by his siblings: Joseph (Renee) Collins of Maricopa, AZ; Roberta (Jeff) Nelson of Santa Rosa, CA; Theresa (George) Dahdouh of Union City, CA; and Timothy (Dorie) Collins of Madera, CA. He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Matt was a proud uncle to his eight nephews and nieces and a great-uncle to their children. Matt will be remembered as a good friend, son, brother, cousin, and uncle—a generous and kind man who was deeply devoted to his faith and family. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 767 Elliott Rd., Paradise, CA.