Francis C. Higgins, 100, of Salem, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Peabody. He was the devoted husband of the late Irene A. (Pelletier) Higgins.
Born in Bridgeport CT, and raised in several North Shore communities, he was the son of the late Cornelius F. and Catherine (Coleman) Higgins. Frank began playing the trumpet in 1930, studying with several local teachers and has continued to play very nearly to the end of his long life. A Veteran of World War II, he served in the 11th Army Airborne Division Band in New Guinea and the Philippines. Following the war he returned to Salem and shortly after married Irene. Frank was employed by Sylvania as a supervisor for over 45 years, but his real passion was his music. He has played in many of the Greater Boston and North Shore Bands including concert bands, orchestras, ballrooms, Dixieland bands and resorts. For years he played for the Cape Ann Jazz Band based in Rockport and the Golden Echoes an 18 piece big band. Frank was recently honored in the American Federation of Musicians Journal for his outstanding contribution to music over the years. Frank has been a member of the North Shore Musicians Assoc., Local 126, since 1935.
He is survived by his loving daughter Diane A. Fransosi of Salem, his devoted friend, Diane Lupo of Rhode Island, several cousins, many friends including his fellow musicians.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, June 29, 2017 in the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Route 114 / 1-A] Salem from 2:00 to 5:00 PM with his memorial service to begin at 5:00 PM in the funeral home to be followed by military honors. For guestbook and additional information, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com