Donald P. Higgins

Donald P. Higgins, 85, of Saco died peacefully and surrounded by family at his home on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born January 8, 1932 in Everett, MA, the only son of Alice R. Straw and Philip R. Higgins. Don was educated in Salem, MA, and Guilford, ME, graduating from Guilford High School in the Class of 1949. Majoring in accounting, he graduated from the University of Maine Phi Beta Kappa in 1953.
On July 18, 1953 he married Ethel Kurki of Monson, ME, in Rockport, MA. Don served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Finance Corps from 1953 until 1955. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for several years as a traveling auditor for General Electric throughout the Northeast. He then was employed with Cole’s Express in Bangor, ME, for more than twenty years, retiring as Vice President of Finance.
Don was a Mason and Shriner, serving as a singer in the Chanters unit of the Anah Temple in Bangor for many years. An avid genealogist, Don traced his family into medieval times, and was widely respected in genealogy circles. He was a great fan of all types of music, especially classical, and enjoyed ballroom and folk dancing with his beloved wife Ethel nearly every weekend. Summers were enjoyed on the shores of Piper Pond in Abbot and Don managed the finances and volunteered tirelessly for the Finnish Farmers’ Club in Monson, ME.
He was preceded in death in 2005 by a half brother, Alan Mooers. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ethel Higgins of Saco, daughters Melinda McCardell of Dayton and Karen Higgins of Saco, son Timothy Higgins and his wife Melanie of Edgewood, NM. He is also survived by a half sister, Nancy Higgins of Eastham, MA, and his
grandchildren, Jennifer Green (Jason) of Kingsport, TN, Rebecca Vigue (Chris) of Dayton, Nathan Yerxa (Gwen Downs) of Auburn, ME, Benjamin Yerxa (Kelly Simard) of Hollis, and Holly and Megan Higgins of Edgewood, NM. He will be greatly missed by three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dan Boucher for his tireless support and friendship. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, October 8th at 1:00 PM at Lake Road Cemetery (Route 15), Monson, Maine, followed by a reception at the American Legion Hall in Monson. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.