John F. Higgins, 94, Avoca, passed away Thursday evening in the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit after an illness. His wife of 38 years was the former Ann Mullen Higgins, RN who passed away Thanksgiving Day in 1992.
John graduated from Saint Ann’s Monastery High School and the University of Scranton. While at the University he served on the student council all four years and was Treasurer of the Class of 52 for the Junior and Senior years. He represented the university at the National Students Convention in 1951, in Minneapolis, MN. After college John served in the Army during the Korean War.
John worked for the State Department of Mines and retired from the Internal Revenue Service after 30 years of service. While employed at the IRS he received many awards and citations. For 17 of those years, he was also the National Vice President of the National Treasury Employees Union representing the Middle Atlantic States. Upon retirement he secured his Enrolled Agents License and represented clients before the IRS and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for over 20 years.
John was a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Lackawanna County; AOH, Avoca, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Pittston, the American Legion, Avoca, the IRS Retirees Club Philadelphia, National Retired Federal Employees and Pro Fitness Club.
John was a member of Saint Mary’s Church at Queen of the Apostle Parish where he served as a member of the Parish Finance Committee, Lector, Eucharist Minister and former President of the Holy Name Society.
John is survived by six children: Michael Higgins and his wife Rose, Wilmington, DE; Mary Ann, Ft Myers, FL,; Maureen Miller and her husband Donald, Avoca; Patricia Watkins, Plains; Karen Gavrish and her husband Frank, Avoca, and Jacquelyn Higgins, Avoca; companion Ann Kevra; Eight grandchildren: Heather Hiller and her husband Brian; Erin Higgins; Christopher Miller and his fiancé Alison Reed; Meghann McCall and her husband Jeffery; Jennifer Culp and her husband Jeffery; Thomas Gavrish and his wife Cynthia; Kelly Blaskiewicz and her husband James; and Caitlynn Kempinski and her husband Mathew; Twelve great grandchildren: Michael and Connor Hiller, Abigail, Jacob, and Peyton Culp, Owen, Noah, and Charles McCall, Tyler and Sadie Gavrish, and Jameson and Cooper Blaskiewicz; nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was also preceded in death by his parents Leo P. Sr. and Lillian Vanston Higgins. As well as a daughter-in-law, June Higgins; granddaughter Lauren Higgins; brother Leo P. Higgins, Jr.; sister Ann Marie Kincel; sisters-in-law Marilyn Higgins and Jacqueline Hart; brother-in-law Karl Kincel, Jr.; Son-in-law Russell Watkins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11am in the Queen of the Apostles Parish at St. Mary’s Church 715 Hawthorne Street Avoca.
Friends may call Monday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton and Tuesday morning from 10am until the time of the Mass in the church.
Interment with Military Honors, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Avoca.
In lieu of flowers the family strongly encourages memorial contributions be made to The Hospice of the Sacred Heart 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507
To share a fond memory or to express your sincere condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Maureen Naso Beauchamp
John was a beloved cousin. We have many happy memories of picnics, card games, and visits. My condolences to his family
Joan Hannon Webb
So sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful friend/relative. When Ben & I got married November 28,1959 he drove us to the church (replaced Donald Mullen).
So sorry to Ann Kevra our longtime friend.
Amy Yesnowski
As far back as I can remember Jack has been around and he was the only grandfather figure I ever knew and was truly loved by our entire family. He was a wonderful man and a staple in my grandmother’s life, I’ll forever be grateful to him for his role in her life. I use to tell them they had a better social life than anyone I knew! He lived a long beautiful life and he will always hold a special place in my heart. May he rest in peace
My condolences to his family 🙏🏼 Heaven gained an amazing angel
Jimbo Mcmahon
Sorry for your loss. Your Father took me And Mike to st John’s daily.
Jim McMahon
Patrick J. Salmon
Michael, Mary Ann, Maureen, Patricia, Karen, Jacquelyn and Family:
I just heard of your Dads passing. I’m so sorry I missed his service and Mass. What a Good Man he was. I have lots of great memories of him at all our basketball games. He was the best timekeeper in the Wyoming Valley League!!! And I always enjoyed seeing him around town.
God Bless,
Pat Salmon
Ann Richards
Karen and family, so sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏