Harry Morris Higgins, Jr. died at home on June 16, 2016 at the age of 94.
Born in Bridesburg, Pa, he was the son of the late Harry M. and Florence Mullin Higgins.
Harry attended Upper Moreland High School where he played football and upon graduation in 1940 entered the U.S. Marine Corps. on August 7th. He served proudly as a U.S. Marine in the 1st Division from 1940 until1945, surviving 27 months in the Southwest Pacific and several bouts of malaria. He was in the mortar outfit at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Tallisen and New Britain . He was presented the Presidential Unit Citation and the Division Commander Commendation.
He attended the Pa. Institute of Technology and was an electrician all his life. He worked for Hinkel and McCoy, owned Higgins Electrical in Glenside, retiring as head electrician from the Central Bucks School District in 1989. He was also an evening course instructor in electricity at Middle Bucks Vo. Tech School.
Harry married Arlene Glossner Brasington on June 26, 1982 and was looking forward to celebrating their 34th. wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife, Arlene, he is survived by his four children: Adele Odegard, Marliese Summersgill, Michael Higgins and James Higgins (Patty Jo). Also seven grandchildren: David, Becky, Patty, Maggie, Scott , Brian, and Matt. He was stepfather to three whom he helped raise in their teen years: Patrick Brasington (Jenni), Dan Brasington, (JoAnn) and Jamie Brasington, his fiancee Mary. He was PopPop to his five Brasington step-grandchildren: Casey, Amber, Hudson, Tyler, and Lauren . The Wisconsin grandchildren were the annual providers of his frequently worn Packers hat that attracted much attention in this Eagles territory. He was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Higgins, sister Arlene Swartzwalder, daughter-in-law Christine Brasington, son-in -law Jett Summersgill and his forever-loved companion, his Brittany, Molly.
Harry was an avid fisherman and small game hunter. He was a member of the Delaware Valley Fish and Game Assoc. Many earlier summers were spent camping throughout Pa. and later at his Pocono cabin on Promised Land Lake.
His vegetable garden was his pride and joy as was his outdoor decorating for many holidays . He had a vast collection of John Wayne movies that he got great satisfaction from sharing.
Retirement years were also spent traveling extensively in his R.V. and on cruises until he had visited all 50 states. He also took many bus trips throughout the U.S. with the Fun Finders travel club.
A private burial with Military Honors will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Harry’s name may be made to: Bucks County SPCA, P.O. Box 277 Lahaska, PA 18931.