Leo P. Higgins Jr. of Scranton, passed away Tuesday evening at the Pavilion of the Holy Family Residence. He was married to the former Marilyn McDonough Duffy. The couple would have celebrated their 42nd anniversary on July 5th.
Born January 25, 1932 in Scranton, “Butch”, as he was affectionately known, was the son of the late Leo P. Higgins and Lillian Vanston Higgins. He was a graduate of St. Ann’s Monastery School and the University of Scranton.
Leo was employed in the local insurance industry for over 55 years. He was a Special Agent and Claims Adjuster for USF&G Insurance Company prior to opening the Higgins Insurance Agency in Taylor, PA. He was also associated with the Vanston Agency, and the Kincel Insurers Agency. He was Past President of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Claims Association. He was a member of the US Naval Reserve.
He was an active member of St. Ann’s Basilica Parish and served as Past President of the Holy Name Society, Chairman of the Parish Council, and a member of the Finance Council.
Leo was very proud of his Irish Ancestry. For many years, he served the Irish American Men’s Association as President, Treasurer and Board of Directors. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County. He was a proud supporter of Notre Dame Football.
The family would like to thank the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the entire staff of the Holy Family Residence. Their loving care, support and kindness is greatly appreciated by the family.
Also surviving are step daughters Dawn Duffy Kavulich and husband Paul, their children, Jason, Aaron and wife Marcia, Corey, and Susan; Susan Duffy Bartolacci and husband Paul, their children, Anthony and wife Cate and Leah and Peggy Duffy Zwiebel and husband Ted, their children Christopher, Kelly and Sarah.
Leo’s surviving children are Patrick Higgins, Nancy Butler and husband Larry, their children, Brian Butler, Justin Butler and wife Amy, Sarah Butler, Matthew Butler and wife Anna, Julie Boss and husband Charles, and children Adam Johnson, Kelsey Johnson and Marialice Warren and husband Ronald, and children Michael Grant and wife Carrie, Jule Knezevich and husband Timothy.
Leo’s surviving Great Grandchildren are Carlyle Bartolacci, Ava Yearing and Christopher and Abigail Butler. His sister is Ann Marie Kincel and his brother is John Higgins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 AM in the chapel of the Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA by the Rev. E. Francis Kelly, Chaplin.
Friends may call in the Maloney Lounge at the Holy Family Residence Tuesday from 4-7PM.
Interment, Cathedral Cemetery
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave Scranton, PA 18509
Rita Morris Selemba
I am so sorry for your loss of Butch. We are away Monday through Wednesday and cannot attend his services. I had the privilege of knowing this man for many years and just recently spoke to him as he prepared to move to the Villa. Heaven has gained an Irish angel who loved St Patrick’s Day as much as Christmas. Prayers for all of the family and may he rest in the peace of our loving Lord.
Bibi
I am so sorry for your loss of Butch. My Deepeast Sympathy and Heartfelt condolences goes out to the family.
Gary Duncan
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Higgins, and to all members of the extended family. Leo was a wonderful person, a genuine lover of all things Irish. His appreciation of Irish history, his passion for the IAMA, and his enjoyment of the Friendly Sons and Parade will never be forgotten.
God bless, and hugs to all,
Gary Duncan
Anne Marie (O'Brien)Astolfi
Nancy, Julie, Patrick, Mary Alice, Dawn and Susan: I was shocked and very saddened to read about the passing of your dad. I would have like to have expressed my condolences in person but unfortunately my own dad was in a serious car accident and just had surgery and I was unable to attend. However I had to take the time again to tell you how very sorry I am. I was just speaking to your dad only a few months ago. I was a great guy. He always made me laugh. Your dad and mine had been friends as well as your Mom Jackie my Mom’s best friend.I will miss him. May God grant you strength and peace of heart.
Anne Marie Astolfi (daughter of Jerry O’Brien)