Charles W. Higgins

Charles W. Higgins Athol – Charles W. ‘”Buzz” Higgins, 83, of 1890 Chestnut Hill Avenue and 712 Andover Circle, Winter Springs, FL, died Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at his home.      He was born in Athol, Massachusetts, November 29, 1927, the son of  H. Howard and Grace (Halberg) Higgins.  Buzz has lived in Athol all of his life, attending Athol High School, Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania and Proctor Academy in Andover, NH, graduating in 1946.  He then attended New England Institute of Embalming and Sanitary Science (now Mt. Ida College) in Boston receiving his certificate in embalming and funeral directing.        He co-owned and operated Higgins Funeral Home with his father and his brother Donald from 1947 until his retirement in 1991.  He served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War as an ariel photographer being honorably discharged as a Corporal.  He was a member of the Athol Congregational Church for more then 54 years, the Ellinwood Country Club for many years, serving as director for one term, served on the finance committee for the Town of Athol for one term and was a former member of the Athol-Orange Rotary Club.  Buzz enjoyed playing golf, bridge, all types of woodworking, photography and spending winters in Winter Springs, Florida since 1995.        He leaves his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Niemela) Higgins; his brother Donald H. Higgins and his wife Pauline of Athol; several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.        A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Cemetery (off Horrigan Ave.) with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Prestwood –Taylor, interim pastor of the Athol Congregational Church officiating.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to: the Athol Area Y.M.C.A, 545 Main St., Athol, MA  01331.   Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.   For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });