William F. Higgins Sr.

William F. Higgins, Sr., 90 of Auburn, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday July 7th. He was born in Lewiston on August 12, 1931, the son of David R. and Genevieve M. (Wellehan) Higgins. Bill was educated in the Auburn school system, graduated from Edward Little High School with the class of 1951 and Maine Central Institute in 1952. He married his loving wife Joyce Gove at St. Joseph’s Church, Lewiston, Maine in 1953.

Bill was an outstanding three sport athlete at Edward Little High School and MCI, playing football, basketball and baseball. He won the Boston Garden-Sunday Telegram State Foul Shooting Championship in 1949. He played semi-pro baseball and basketball for area teams. He also coached youth basketball at the YMCA and baseball with the Auburn Suburban Little League. He was a member to the Western Maine Basketball Officials. Bill was an excellent golfer with 3 holes-in-one and was past president of Martindale Country Club. Bill was inducted into the Auburn-Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He was a life-long Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan and official arm chair coach.

Bill was self-employed for many years selling and servicing office products, equipment and furniture at Bill Higgins Inc. in Lewiston.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years Joyce, and three children Nancy (Harry) Prantl of Cameron, NC. Barbara (Assaad) Hallak of Enfield, CT and William Higgins Jr. of Auburn; four grandchildren Caitlin (Jack) Irby, Mckenzie Prantl, Christina (Cameron) Doughtie and Grace Hallak; and four great-grandchildren Jay and Clare Irby and Raina and Delilah Doughtie; several nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, sister Dorothy and brothers David and Gene Higgins.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to all his caregivers from Arcadia Home Care and Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, especially Aimee and Courtney.

The memorial visitation will be held on Friday July 22nd from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St. Auburn.

The celebration of life will be held at the Fortin Group Funeral Home on Saturday July 23rd at 11:00am, burial to follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bill’s name to Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com