(585) 544-2041
info@harrisfuneralhome.com
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Hugh
An environmentally friendly option
3 tree(s) planted in memory of Hugh Higgins
Loading...
J
Judith McDonald Aquadro planted a tree in memory of Hugh Higgins
Saturday, February 10, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Peace, Prayers and Blessings, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Hugh Higgins
Thursday, February 8, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Hugh was a gentleman and a kind human being. He will be missed. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
K
Keith Olscamp posted a condolence
Thursday, February 8, 2024
My condolences to the Higgins family. I met Hugh as a freshman at St. Bonaventure in the fall of '74. Over the next four years, we spent many hours listening to The Stones (plus a little Rod Stewart and The Who mixed in), and enjoying beers at the Rathskeller and Club 17. Hugh was warm, friendly, thoughtful and an all-around great guy. It was my honor knowing him, and may he rest in peace.
K
Kathy Sullivan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Kathi and family
I am sorry for your loss. I remember Hugh as a classmate from Our Lady of Lourdes. Sending prayers.
Kathy Sullivan
C
Carrie Hamilton (EHS, class of '03) posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Growing up with an older sibling, you often know which teachers to look forward to in high school. My sister loved Mr. Higgins, so five years later, when I started my junior year, I was thrilled to finally be in his AP US History class. We were less than a week into the school year when the planes hit the Twin Towers. As an almost 16 year old, there was so much that was happening that I did not understand. I didn't even know what the World Trade Center was. Or why someone would even want to fly a plane into it. Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, bin Laden, Afghanistan, Iraq..it was all so confusing and overwhelming. And I remember sitting in class, all of us peppering Mr. Higgins with questions in the days that followed as our young minds tried to make sense of the new world we had just entered into on the cusp of our adulthood.
Two decades later, as a teacher myself, I realize the responsibilities educators have in moments like that, when there is a fundamental shift in the way the world works and young people seek to find a way through, and these conversations and questions find their way into our classrooms. As I have watched my own students learn of school shootings and wars, I can only hope that in answering their questions, I embodied all that Mr. Higgins gave to us that September.
In the years after I graduated and my mom still worked at the school, I would often wander in and seek out Mr. Higgins, interested in talking to him about my latest history classes at Loyola. I am certain we would have discussed voting in my first election in 2004. It's quite possible that half of what he said about current events and politics and political parties was always far above my head, but that was the thing about him - he didn't dumb things down for you. He believed in your intelligence and you wanted to keep up. I am lucky to have had such a fabulous mentor to guide me toward my own career in education. Rest easy, Mr. Higgins.
P
Paul Peartree posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Classmates, grade school through college. Always friendly, always a smile. Rest in peace, Hugh.
J
James Moynihan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Dear family members of Hugh Higgins,
Our deepest sympathies and prayers on the passing of your husband/father/brother Hugh Higgins. May Hugh have eternal peace and happiness with the Big Guy upstairs in Paradise. Hugh deserves a place of honor after his long affliction with Parkinson’s disease for 13 years while he walked among us here on Terra Firma. Hugh ran a great race despite his affliction by that nasty Parkinson’s disease.
Be there for each other in this most difficult time of loss.
Hugh and all of you are and will continue to be very much in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
God bless Hugh and all of you.
Deepest condolences
James and Hiroko Moynihan
Vienna, Virginia
K
Ken Sarkis uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
/public-file/4559/Ultra/b4dfd7a5-4465-48f3-8ed3-595b14d028c9.jpeg
Gentle. Kind. Intelligent. thoughtful. Generous. 11 years old. Seventh grade. A beautiful human being at every age of his life. Thank you, Hugh, for being in mine.
J
James Franz lit a candle
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_blue.jpg
The best teacher I’ve ever had. I received a 98 on my 11th grade US History Regents exam thanks to Mr. Higgins. His class was the only class throughout my education in which I didn’t have to try. His approach and soothing voice simply were the best. Thank you for the great times, I’ll never forget getting your coffee for you every class, RIP.
R
Robert Napier lit a candle
Monday, February 5, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_gold.jpg
It has been said the surest
evidence of faith in God
is joy. Despite a daunting
long-standing health struggle,
Hugh always remained a joyful
person, who was committed to
his Catholic faith, his family
and The Greatest Rock & Roll
Band in the World—
The Rolling Stones.
He was a man in full and
memories of times spent together
cannot help but bring a smile.
I was truly blessed to have met
Hugh at Our Lady of Lourdes School
more than 55 years ago. May the
Almighty now grant him the
well deserved crown of eternal glory.
M
Mary Ellen Cocuzzi posted a condolence
Monday, February 5, 2024
A highlight from my time at Eastridge was co teaching with Mr.Higgins. We created a class that we called “Globish” where we combined world history and literature. What a time we had!
Hugh was a gifted teacher and an incredible human. Kind, patient, smart, humble, loyal are a few words that come to mind.
Rest in peace dear friend.
T
Thomas Wall uploaded photo(s)
Monday, February 5, 2024
/public-file/4558/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
I met Hugh in August 1974, our freshman year, in the library of Saint Bonaventure University. I was 8 hours from home, had never been on a college campus before, knew nobody on this campus and had left my high school bravado at home. I was excited, nervous and in need of a friend. Hugh was studying by himself as I approached his table. His chestnut hair was short and his legs were long. I thought he must play tennis and basketball. His student ID was in my space on the table so I picked it up and studied the photo. There was a cascade of shoulder-length hair. I looked at his shorn locks and he laughed and said he had cleaned up a bit. We quickly abandoned studying, and exchanged personal biographies. We were in a couple of classes together and were both history majors. We both liked politics, sports, the Rolling Stones, reading books and travel. Before long, we were packing up our books and notebooks and making our way to a Rathskeller, which he said was a bar under the dining hall. I did not know what that meant, but I followed him out of the library. I did notice as we made our way out and passed other students busy at work, most of the girls picked their heads up and took a glance. They were not watching me. So began a 50-year friendship. I have a Rolodex of memories but what I will carry with me forever is Hugh’s humanity, his intelligence and his kindness. He loved to grab a cold beverage and discuss the weighty issues of the day and was a fierce competitor no matter which sport he played. I will miss talking to him but I will carry our friendship with me for the rest of my days. Sleep well, my friend!
t
The family of Hugh Henry Higgins uploaded a photo
Sunday, February 4, 2024
/tribute-images/10482/Ultra/Hugh-Higgins.jpg
Please wait
C
Carrie (Pearl) Benjamin lit a candle
Sunday, February 4, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_blue.jpg
Mr.Higgins was one of my favorite teachers. He lit up the room when he taught SS. He was so passionate. I remember when he was going to be a first time dad, I insisted that we get the baby a present. He was so grateful and touched. His smile and laughter lit up the room. He was an amazing teacher and soul. I only hope that I can be half the teacher and human that he was.
D
Donna LaTour-Bergen lit a candle
Sunday, February 4, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_navy.jpg
I help manage the Eastridge Alumni page. It has become a tradition when one of our Lancer Family passes to post a celebration of their life. I share this wanting you to know how much your Hugh meant to us. Lifting you all up in the healing light, Donna LaTour-Bergen. It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the untimely death of Eastridge's beloved social studies teacher/mentor, Hugh Henry Higgins.
Please lift up his family as they mourn their profound loss that we all share in. We are all heartbroken. Please take the time to click on his obituary and share a memory. It will mean so much to his family. Teachers often don't realize the impact they have on their students.
Hugh Henry Higgins lived his deep faith every day by the "Golden Rule", the universal religion. No one staff or student alike left his side without feeling loved and valued. His brilliance was as impressive as his kindness.
He amazed his students by sharing his vast knowledge according to one student by teaching without a textbook. He built lifelong relationships with his students because they knew he respected them, felt his encouragement, he always had a listening ear, would be their "dad at school" if that is what was needed, and in countless other ways. He welcomed all to his classroom even if he wasn't their teacher. He delighted in sharing stories which of course included his beloved family, his favorite "Blues" and a myriad of discussions about the state of the world, etc.
Hugh was an earth angel who has now more than earned his wings.
In a post another of his students said, "Legends aren't supposed to die." The good news is every time we say Hugh's name, tell his story, but most of all pay forward to future generations his knowledge, kindness and love we bless him with eternal life.
Job well done on earth "good and faithful servant." RIP.
"A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops." Henry Adams
S
Shani Wilson posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Mr Higgins was a passionate, dedicated teacher. He was always willing to listen and gus humility meant something to me as a young black student. In my junior year, we were going to watch a very racist and demeaning movie in class about Africa. Before class one day, I asked him to change the movie and explained why. He apologized and changed the movie, no other questions asked.
Before school a some students used to work and hang out in his room- he works engage us in debates that I still remember.
Thank you Mr Higgins for everything.
Shani Wilson
S
Stacey Daly posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Mr. Higgins was one of my very favorite teachers; I even included him in my senior bio in the yearbook as someone I would never forget. He will be deeply missed.
Stacey (Canavan) Daly
EHS Class of '98
N
Nadine Compisi(Gager) posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
How well I remember Hugh and that handsome face, great mop of hair, impish smile and kindness. Hugh was a nice guy and I remember fondly going to grammar & middle school with him. Hugh will be missed.
M
Mona Dibble posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Hugh was such a positive man ! He was always in a good mood and had a smile on his face ! We loved to talk about The Rolling Stones !!! Rest in peace !
P
PAUL STACK posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
I worked with Hugh for over 25 years. It began in 1991 when my substitute came in wearing a leather jacket and proceeded to be a god-send in covering my classes. Hugh became a fellow social studies teacher shortly thereafter, and I and the rest of the faculty became amazed at his talents, kindness and thoughtfulness.
Over the years we had 100's of conversations about faith, economics, politics and so many other topics. Hugh's Catholic faith imbued his perspectives and opinions at every turn. He loved his family and his work, consistently giving his best for students and colleagues.
I deeply appreciate that Hugh became significant in my life.
C
Claire Hamilton (EHS, class of ‘98) posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
So many of us that work in education today know that our experiences in Mr. Higgins’ class were instrumental in pointing us toward our profession. What made him great was not only his knowledge and passion, but Mr. Higgins valued our ideas seriously enough to listen carefully and provide thoughtful critiques. Few educators treated teenagers that way. I don’t think I ever worked harder for a teacher. I will always remember my time with him so fondly. We were deeply blessed in his presence and wisdom.
A
Amanda AnneAnne posted a condolence
Sunday, February 4, 2024
When I was in high school at Eastridge Mr. Higgins was my social studies teacher. He always had time to chat and was always sincere. I remember that I had to write an English paper about your favorite teacher and I wrote it about him. His father in law lived across the street from me and He would be over roller blading around the neighborhood. To his wife and children’s I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks that Hugh passed away. He is now free from sickness and rollerblading and active again. Mr Higgins, thank you for being the teacher you were and making a lasting impression on my life.
Amanda Anne (Lombino) class 1994 Eastridge HS
S
Siobhan posted a condolence
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Seeing the news of his death took my breath away. So many wonderful memories of spending time with him as my teacher and friend flashed before my eyes. His smile and warmth were genuine and welcoming. Holding you, Kathy, Iain, and Keira in my thoughts.
Siobhan Moffitt
Explore
Question?
Email*:
Name*:
Message*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.*:
There are some invalid fields.
Please wait...
Message has been successfully sent.