FALLS VILLAGE — Thomas Joseph Higgins Jr. of The Villages, Florida, passed on Friday, June 23, 2023. He was born the oldest of five children to Thomas and Evelyn Higgins in Sharon, on Dec. 26, 1941.
He attended Boston University to study aeronautical engineering and had successful careers as an engineer at Pratt & Whitney, a high school math teacher in Falls Village, and Bedford, Massachusetts, and a computer programmer for the state of Massachusetts. His continued curiosity about science, technology and math led to a lifetime of learning. As an avid reader, chef, boomeranger, golfer and lover of music and laughter, Tom approached life with an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
Family meant everything to Tom, and he cherished the moments spent with loved ones. As a dedicated husband, parent, sibling, and friend, he exuded warmth, love, and kindness in every interaction. His genuine compassion touched the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him, and he leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and unwavering support.
He is survived by his loving wife, Annette Higgins, his children Jessica (Hank) Jones, Tim (Laura) Higgins, Patrick Welch, Kathy(Joe) Barbagallo, Dan(Lynn) Welch, Kevin (Karen) Welch. His grandchildren Greg and Sophia Jones, Patrick, Caitlin, Zachary, Daniel, Annika and Matthew Welch, Cortni Soucy and Kate DuBois. Five great grandchildren. His brother Gary (Carol) Higgins, Jon (Rindy) Higgins, Jackie(Rod) Merwin, Sam Higgins,many nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his brother Michael Higgins.
Burial and Celebration of Life will be held in Massachusetts on Aug. 19, 2023, at Union Cemetery in Amesbury, Massachusetts, at 11:30 am followed by a Celebration of Life at Maria’s Restaurant 81 Essex Street, Haverhill MA 01832 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
