Marlborough – Ernest “Skip” E. Rollins Jr., 73 of Marlborough, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, surrounded by his loving family after a period of declining health.
Skip is survived by his son, Anthony J. Rollins and his wife Christine of Natick; his daughter, Michelle Rebecca Bernardi; two step-children, Brian Spinks and Samantha Nickens; his sister, Judy A. Philbrook of Winchendon, his best friend, Valerie Joseph, with whom he lived in Marlborough; two nieces, Janet Scali of Maryland and Ann Marie Hodge of Texas; two step-grandchildren, Caroline Nickens and Stephen Nickens; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and his beloved bird, “Sally.” He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest E. Rollins Sr. and Mary G. (Ziane) O’Callaghan, and his brother, Kenneth E. Rollins.
Skip was born Aug. 14, 1944 in Clinton, and was raised in Bolton and Hudson. He later moved to Natick and Framingham where he also lived for many years.
Skip worked as a carpenter for several places before retiring.
Skip was an animal lover, who enjoyed watching and feeding the squirrels and he also had many pet birds which he loved and cared for.
Skip had a great sense of humor and he was always joking around with people. He also had a passion for writing and his many poems and memoires are part of his legacy which he leaves for his loved ones to enjoy. In addition, Skip also enjoyed painting, craftwork, and playing World of Warcraft on his computer for hours.
Skip was brought up Catholic as an altar boy, but in his later years he enjoyed attending services at Revelation Pentecostal Church in Northborough.
Skip truly cared for all people and he found joy in volunteering at the South Middlesex Opportunity Drop-In Center, helping people in recovery. Skip was a great guy and he will be missed by those who knew him.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 4-7 p.m., at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St., Hudson. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m., in the funeral home. Burial will be private at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to MSPCA-Angell Headquarters, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130 or Rhode Island Parrot Rescue, 2141 W Shore Rd., Warwick, RI 02889.
