Ellenville Regional Hospital Mourns the Passing of Reverend Julius A. Collins, Jr.

Ellenville Regional Hospital mourns the passing of Reverend Julius A. Collins, Jr., a beloved community leader and a steadfast advocate for the Hospital and the people it serves.

Reverend Collins joined the Hospital’s Board of Trustees in 2001 and served for 25 years, including 15 years as Board Chair. He helped guide the Hospital through severe financial distress, advocating for its survival and for the community’s continued access to local health care. He remained a strong, thoughtful voice as the Hospital strengthened its focus on quality, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, innovation, and financial performance. During his tenure as Chair, Ellenville Regional Hospital grew into a nationally recognized organization whose representatives shared their work at regional and national conferences.

For more than 30 years, Reverend Collins served as Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ellenville. He also served on the Ellenville Central School District Board of Education, most recently as its vice president. Across these roles, he was a fearless advocate for his parishioners, young people, the Hospital, and the wider community. He kept our Board grounded in its mission and earned the deep respect of those who served alongside him.

Reverend Collins shared his commitment to service with his wife, Vernice, a longtime active member of the Hospital’s Auxiliary and Auxiliary Board. Together, they have made a lasting impact on Ellenville.

Reverend Collins and Vernice were selected to be honored at the upcoming Ellenville Regional Hospital Foundation Gala. The Foundation will use that occasion to celebrate Reverend Collins’s life and his steadfast dedication to the community and the Hospital, while recognizing the service they have shared.

Some people are pillars of their community. Reverend Collins was a tower.

We extend our deepest condolences to Vernice, their family, and all who knew and loved him. We are grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and the lasting mark he made on our Hospital.