LAKE CITY, FL: Francis Delmer “Del” Higgins, 93, passed peacefully from this earth on December 28, 2012 in Gainesville, Florida. He was the husband of the late Louise (Hosker) Higgins who died in 1979. They were married in 1948.
Born in Lynn, MA on April 24, 1919, he was the son of the late James and Julia (Cheever) Higgins. Del was a graduate of Lynn English High School class of 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, where he served in England, Africa and Italy during World War II. He was honorably discharged in Sept. 1945 as a Corporal in the 11th Battalion in the 32nd Bombardment Squadron. He was a member of the Wellborn Community Club in Florida, where he has resided for the past thirteen years.
Del was a licensed electrician for many years before retiring. He was a parishioner of the St John's Church, the Church of the Nativity in Merrimac, and the Epiphany Catholic Church of Lake City, Florida.
He was affectionately known as "Uncle Dellie" to all that knew and loved him. He was famous for his answer when asked how you are. He would respond "ELEGANT"! Dellie loved a good card game with his family and friends and was a formidable foe. He will be sadly missed by all. He was a kind and generous gentleman his whole life.
He is survived by his loving niece, Eliene Brooks and her husband, Wayne of Wellborn, Florida, whom have been his caretaker for the past 18 years. He also leaves three nephews, Raymond, Michael and Laurence Bastarache; three great- nephews; four great-nieces and many cousins. He was also predeceased by his son, James Higgins who died in 1980 and his only sibling, Dorothy Bastarache who died in 1977.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday in the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill from 4 – 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Interment will be held on Friday in the Walnut Cemetery, Haverhill at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the hospice of your choice.