Joseph R. Higgins

Joseph R. "Dick" Higgins, 72, of Manchester died February 7, 2007 at his residence after a long illness.

He was born in Brookline, MA, on January 27, 1935, the son of Joseph P. and Mary (Durkin) Higgins. He was educated in the Brookline school system and was voted "cutest" in his 1952 Brookline High School graduating class. He received his bachelor's degree in history from Northeastern University. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the US Army.

Prior to retirement, he was employed for over 35 years by New England Telephone, as Vice President of Public Relations

Mr. Higgins was a well-respected member of the community and contributed his time to help others in a variety of ways. He served on the City of Manchester Fire Commission from 1974 to 1989 and on the Board of Trustees at Daniel Webster College. He served on the NH State Racing Commission for many years and also on the State Lottery Commission. He was past president of the Manchester Rotary Club, from 1987-1988.

He was a longtime active communicant of St. Catherine of Siena Church where he served as a lector and on the first St. Catherine Parish Council.

Members of his family include his wife of fifty years, Maryjean (Kelly) Higgins of Manchester; two sons, J.R. Higgins and Mark Higgins, both of Manchester; two daughters, Carolyn Higgins and Mr and Mrs. Daniel (Nancy) Roberts, both of Hooksett; two grandchildren, Jamie and Christopher Pamula; one sister, Mrs. William (June) Miller of South Carolina; nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Claire McCarthy in 2003.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday February 10, 2007 in St. Catherine Church Webster St. Manchester. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manchester Firefighters Relief Association, 100 Merrimack St. Manchester, NH 03101.