William E. Higgins, age 79, passed away Tuesday December 30, 2008 surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Newton-Wellesley, MA on August 16, 1929 one of the 2 children of the late Frederick John and Louise (MacDonald) Higgins. He attended local schools and graduated from Newton High School in 1947. Following High School, Bill joined the US Marine Corps where he became a Paymaster Sergeant. He was married to Beverley Wilson on November 30, 1963. Bill owned a newspaper business in the Boston area and retired in 1989. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion. He was a very involved father and after coaching Little League for a time, he became Commissioner and was also dedicated to the Boy Scouts and was a Cub Master. Bill and Bev moved to Columbia, NH in 1989 to be close to their grandchildren. He became Selectman shortly after for 10 years and filled his life with helping others and enjoying his family. He quick wit and famous one-liners will be truly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Beverley A. (Wilson) Higgins of Berlin, NH; his sister Audrey Parlagreco and husband Phil of Merrick, NY; his son Andy Higgins and wife Tracie of Fairfield, VT and his daughter Amy Higgins Paulin and husband Ray of Berlin, NH. He will be missed by his grandchildren Ron and Laura Langevin, Teegan Paulin, Krystina and Alyssa Higgins and his nephews Phillip, Peter and Tommy Parlagreco, Ricky Bourgon and Brent and Steve Branchaud. He was predeceased by his parents and his nephew Russell Parlagreco.
Private Services will be held at the Bryant Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held in the spring. Those wishing to make a donation in Bill’s memory may do so to your local Little League organization or to a charity on your choice.