Westfield – Senior Chief,
Collin R. Ingraham, 73, told his final sea story to his family on May 16, 2017. (And it was a good one!) Collin was born on March 30, 1944 in Manchester CT to the late William and Catherine (Harris) Ingraham. He was raised in Woronoco, MA and graduated (barely) from Westfield High School in 1961. He immediately joined the United States Navy and many adventures followed. Collin sailed the seven seas chasing communists from the equator to the polar ice cap, and did it all with style. He sat with princes, prelates, and a pope, and each of them benefited from that meeting. He married Gretchen (Holzapfel) Ingraham, the smart girl from his high school German class, and loved her intensely for his whole life. He reluctantly retired from the Navy in 1980 for his second life as a gentleman farmer, maintenance supervisor at Northeast Utilities, husband, father and world traveler. He excelled in each of these roles. He leaves his wife of 52 years Gretchen, his sons and their spouses, Michael and Cara Ingraham of Southampton, MA, and Collin Ingraham and Todd Franson of Adelphi, MD, his beloved grand-daughters, Allison and Emily Ingraham and Amanda Ferrara, and his sisters Susan Gallo and Janet Heirholzer of New Port Ritchie, FL. His brother Jeffrey Ingraham predeceased him. Also left are a legion of those family, friends, and shipmates he touched, taught, inspired and entertained. He will not be forgotten.
Calling hours will take place at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home from 1-3 on Saturday May 20th, with the memorial service at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Baystate Hospice at 50 Maple St. Springfield, MA 01102.Firtionadams.com
