Rensselaer- Richard B. "Rapper" Collins age 54 of Rensselaer passed away on Saturday Sept. 30, 2017. He was born in Albany and lived most of his life in Rensselaer. Rick was employed as an instructor for CDL in Menands and also worked for Albany Steel. He was a US Army veteran serving from 1981 to 1984 and received an achievement award. He enjoyed politics, golf, baseball playing from Little League to American Legion and was a big NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan. Son of John A. and Dawn Van Slyke Collins. Father of Joshua (Lindsay) Collins, Brandon Collins and Courtney Collins. Grandfather of Sara, Emmalynn, Abbigayle and Joshua, Jr. Collins. Brother of John (Mary) Collins, Jr., Ronald (Karen) Collins and Nicholas Collins. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the W. J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer Saturday from 2-5 PM with military honors to be bestowed at 5:00 PM. Contributions in Rick's memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, STE 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.