Hugh Matthew Higgins

Hugh Matthew Higgins beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend peacefully transitioned into Heaven on February 24th, 2017. Born in Caltra, Co. Galway, Ireland, on September 13, 1928.  He met his wife, Phyllis in Dublin, Ireland and they were married in Brooklyn, New York on October 17, 1953.   His early years of raising his family began in New Paltz, New York until moving to Boca Raton in 1969.  His warm, humorous, kind Spirit prevailed during his long battle with Cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Survived by his wife, Phyllis Higgins (McHugh), Children: John Higgins, Hugh (Suzanne) Higgins, Mary Ellen (Mike) Digney, Kathleen Higgins, Brendan Higgins and Bernadette Higgins. Grandchildren: Lindsay (Derek) Schelldorf, Lauren Higgins, Connor Higgins, Jack Digney, Matt Digney, Bridget Higgins, Katie Higgins, Molly Higgins and Neave Higgins. Great Grandchildren: Annemarie and Rosemary Schelldorf. Siblings: Bernie Higgins, Eddie Higgins, John Higgins, Kathleen Moran, Mary Finnegan, Ann Haylock, and Frank Higgins.

Preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Eileen (Donoghue) Higgins, Siblings: Tommy Higgins, Mick Higgins, P.J. Higgins, Jimmy Higgins and Christine Higgins.

He was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for over 47 years and attended daily mass on a routine basis.

He always had a friendly smile and a warm welcome for everyone he met. His gift of the gab and his detailed ability to tell a story was unique and captivating.  His love for his wife was enduring and his family was his pride and joy.  Some of his favorite family memories were created every summer in Ireland and his love of Irish music was evident during sing song gatherings. He took great pride in his work as an Engineer for IBM for over 35 years and his old-school work ethic was passed on to his children. His love for the organization and discipline of sports developed while playing golf, soccer and hurling, and was apparent while managing family dynamics. His optimism was contagious and his enthusiasm for life was inspiring.  Some of his favorite quotes were, “it’s nice to be nice, if can’t do it right don’t do it at all, and that's it now”.

His charismatic personality, Irish wit and mischievous twinkle in his eye will be cherished forever by family and friends.

Join us in his celebration of life at Glick’s Family Funeral Home, Boca Raton on Thursday, March 2nd, from 5pm to 8pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 3rd at 10:30am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Boca Raton, FL.  Burial service to follow at the Chapel at Boca Raton Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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