John (Jack) Higgins

John (Jack) Higgins, beloved husband and father, passed away quietly on Wednesday morning, April 3, 2013. He will be greatly missed by all whom knew him. His compassion and his love for his family and others were felt by anyone that met him. Jack was born in Kilnaleck, County Cavan in Ireland on September 24, 1929 to John and Mary Higgins. He came to New York in 1950 and served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. He married Maureen Kealy in 1954. He changed careers from a butcher to a bus driver in 1960 and went on to working for the TWU union until he retired as Vice President of the TWU union in 1997. He served as an usher at St. Augustine’s Church and was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Irish Cultural Center.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maureen and his devoted children: daughter Maureen Shea (Kevin), daughter Eileen Montellese, son John Higgins (Mary Ellen), daughter Susan Tessler (Scott), and daughter Phyllis Booth (Brian) and seven grandchildren: Sean, Laura, Michael, Brendan, Tommy, Brian and Shannon. He is survived by his brothers Jim, Frank, and Donald Higgins of Ireland and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Mick Higgins, and his sister, Molly Caffrey, both of County Cavan, Ireland.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 4pm-8pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 8, 2013, 11am, at St. Augustine’s Church, 140 Maple Ave, New City, NY followed by interment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joe Raso Hospice Residence, 415 Buena Vista Road, New City, NY 10956. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mjhigginsnewcity.com