Obituary of Richard Higgins

Richard M. Higgins of Woodbourne passed away peacefully at Orange Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the age of 76. He was the son of the late Victor J. and Catherine Barnwell Higgins, born on October 10, 1936 in New York City. He was an active member of his community and was a faithful member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. For many years Richard worker for the Department of Corrections as an Education Supervisor; where he later retired. Shortly after retirement he began substituting at Fallsburg Central High School; where he became a cherished role model, friend and house hold name to all of the students and faculty members. Known to many as "Mr. Higgins" he left a lasting impression on all of his students and many people in his community. He was one of the few to have the yearbook dedicated to him, as a special way for the students to say thank you for all that he did for them. This was a true honor for him and one of his proudest moments while at Fallsburg. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He will continue to be loved and remembered by his students, fellow co-workers and especially his family. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his brother, John Higgins and his wife, Ann of Grahamsville; his sisters: Agnes Manell and her husband, Tom of Grahamsville, Vera Gordon of Woodbourne, Mary Weaver of Rensselau, Pat Ether and her husband, Joe of Claverack, Fran Higgins of Rock Hill, and Grace O`Neill and her husband, Bill of Woodbourne, NY; sister-in-law, Norma Higgins of Rensselau; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and a multitude of friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Higgins; his beloved twin sister, Catherine Ackerly and her son, Edward; his brothers-in-law, Francis Gordon and Harry Weaver. Visitation will be today, Friday May 3rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY 12788. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4th at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 6317 State Route 42, Woodbourne, NY 12788. He will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Woodbourne, NY following the Mass. Donations in Richard's name can be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home; for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit our website at www.colonialbruantfuneralhome.com.