Mr. Jeremiah M. Higgins

Mr. Jeremiah M. Higgins, of Hancock, MA, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, just one day shy of celebrating his 73rd birthday. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on February 15, 1950, the son of the late Francis and Margaret McGowan Higgins, he graduated from Pittsfield High School. Jeremiah was a Vietnam War Veteran. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1968, where he proudly served his country until 1970. Jeremiah graduated with an Associates in fire science from Berkshire Community College and worked as a firefighter for the City of Pittsfield. He was also a jack of all trades, with many talents in areas of construction including painting, taping, carpentry, roofing and more. He was quick to lend a hand to family and friends on different projects, and proudly built two houses – one in Pittsfield and then later in Hancock, MA. He lent his skills to St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and to villages in Haiti, as part of the Haiti Plunge. Whether by air or sea, he was always up for a new adventure and never shied away from any challenge, including trying new sports like windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, or kite boarding. He accomplished one of his life dreams in 2007 by single-handedly sailing from Maine to Florida in his 38-foot O’Day. Jeremiah was predeceased by his beloved wife, the former Patricia Roche, whom he married on November 26, 1971. Patricia passed away in 1987. He is survived by his three brothers: Kevin, James and Patrick Higgins; his sister Margaret Fairfield; his five daughters: Sheila Scott (son-in-law Robert Scott), Jacqueline, Jean, Bridget, and Kathleen Higgins; his three grandchildren: Cade Scott, and Liam and Brenna Millican; and his nephews and nieces Christopher Fairfield (Claire), Megan Roche, and Daniel and Michael Gould. While Jeremiah will be sorely missed, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will be carried on by all of those who knew him. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Jeremiah M. Higgins will be Saturday, February 18, 2023, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30am at St. Mark’s Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Fedoryshyn, Pastor. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, February 17, 2023, from 4pm to 6pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Haiti Plunge (http://www.thehaitiplunge.org), St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, or Catholic Relief Services.

Mr. Jeremiah M. Higgins

February 15, 1950 - February 14, 2023