Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, Inc.

39 South Main Street

Mechanicville, New York

Thomas Higgins Obituary

Thomas J. Higgins MechanicvilleFormer City of Mechanicville Mayor Thomas J. Higgins, died Tuesday, November 19, 2013, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Born in Troy, on February 9, 1931, the son of the late Mechanicville Comm. of Accounts William E. Higgins Sr. and Veronica Purtle Higgins, Tom was a 1948 graduate of Mechanicville High School. Elected Mayor of Mechanicville in November 1993, Tom served three terms, leaving office in 2006. He had also previously served as Comm. of Finance and Chairman of the cities Civil Service Commission. A hard worker who maintained two jobs for most of his working life, Tom was a postal carrier for the US Postal Service in Mechanicville for over 30 years, during which time he also worked for the B&M Railroad. Tom also worked as a licensed electrician, as a security guard at Saratoga Raceway, and spent the last of his working years at Clifton Park Toyota. A dedicated civic-minded resident, Tom was the longtime treasurer of the Mechanicville Fire Dept. and a life member of E.H. Strang Hose Co. #3. Tom also volunteered his time to Mechanicville Stillwater Little League, St. Paul's CYO basketball, Meals on Wheels and, with his adopted greyhound, visited hospitals and nursing homes through the Therapy Dog Institute. A member of All Saints on the Hudson Parish and a 42 year member of the Mechanicville Elks Lodge, Tom was known for his quick wit and sense of humor that served him well as toastmaster on the banquet circuit. A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, Tom enjoyed watching the Red Sox recently win their third World Series in the last 10 years. Most of all Tom loved his family and spending time with his eight children, 14 grandchildren and their extended families. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Annetta Grimes Higgins in 1976; and his brothers, Jack and Bill. Survivors include his wife, Marie Madeline Robens Higgins, who he married in 1979; his children, Michael (Judy) Higgins of Glenville, Meg Overocker (Gary Warren) of Delmar, Peter (Gina) Higgins of Stillwater, Tim (Theresa) and Joe (Karen) Higgins both of Mechanicville, Joe Robens of Weston Hill, Florida, Laurie (Thom) Tyrrell of Waterford and Shaun (Grace) Robens of Clifton Park. Tom's grandchildren are, Katie (Chris) Plume, Amity and Adam Higgins, Ryan and Shaina Overocker (Steve Salomon), Reid, Abby, Maggie, Kelsey, Eamonn, Skyler and Ashley Higgins, Salina and Madeline Tyrrell; sisters-in-law, Marion Higgins and Rose Miller of Mechanicville; and several nieces, nephews and their families. The Higgins family thanks Dr. Louis Ianniello and Dr. S. Patel and their staffs and Community Hospice of Saratoga for their care, compassion and concern. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at noon at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, 121 No. Main St., with burial in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours at the North Main St. Church on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga in loving memory of Thomas J. Higgins. Visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com to leave condolences and for directions.

Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Nov. 20, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Higgins

Not sure what to say?





God Bless, Paul&Michele MacDonald

Paul MacDonald

November 14, 2023

Paul&Michele MacDonald, God Bless

Paul MacDonald

November 14, 2022

Dear Madeline and Higgins Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tony & Ann Derico

November 24, 2013

Dear Madeline - Throughout all Tom's endeavors you were right by his side supporting him. He was so blessed to have found you...and you him! The whole Robens family is going to miss him.Rosemary & Joe Madigan - Valley Falls

November 23, 2013

hizzoner,rest in peace,murph

November 22, 2013

To the Higgins family. I pray you all find peace and know that heaven is one soul richer.

Ron Stowers

November 21, 2013

Dear Higgins Cousins:

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. It's a loss for all of us because Tommy was a good and decent man. I know that growing up my mother (Helen Spohn Russom) and her sisters were very close to their Higgins cousins as well as to Aunt Veronica and Uncle Bill. I'm sorry I can't be there but know that I AM there in my heart and prayers.

Diane Russom Harrison

November 21, 2013

Dear Madeline,

I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful man. I know how much happiness he brought to your life and to the lives of everyone he touched. I feel deeply honored to have known him and grateful that he was a such a large part of the lives of those I love so much. I know he will be dearly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane, Bill and Amanda Wyllie

November 21, 2013

To the Higgins Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow. Tom was a friendly and thoughtful man that will be missed by all that knew him.

Larry and Cindy D'Alberto

November 21, 2013

Laurie, and to all the Higgins and Robens Family. We were very sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Please know that you are all in are thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Brian and Mary Ann(Zurlo) Farrell

November 21, 2013

madelone i am so sorry to hear about your husband. he was one great man.

sharon keefer

November 20, 2013

Higgins family; Tom was a great City Mayor, also a great person. A great loss to the City of Mechanicville. God Bless the family.

Ernie

November 20, 2013

Tim and the entire Higgins family,

So sorry for your loss, he was a good man, may he RIP.

Maribeth Verdile-Cook

November 20, 2013

Marie, Mike,Meg,Peter,Tim,Joe,and Family. I am so sad about Uncle Tom's passing. I am also so proud that he was my Godfather.I have so many memories of when we were kid's (yes we were) and how he made me laugh. And again in his selfless ways, there for us when my mom passed away, keeping us strong with a story or two. So Uncle Tom, if You are seated next to dad & Mr Grime's keep them in line. Love, Beth, Sandy, Matt & Mike and Family (PS don't let dad give you grief over the Red Sox-Uncle Bill will be there for you)

November 20, 2013

Madeline and family,
So sad to hear of Tom's passing, he was such a pillar in the community and his heart was always in the right place. What a great man in many ways, you all have lucky and fond memories to cherish, thoughts and prayers

Ant and Pam Marinello

November 20, 2013

To the Higgins Family - Some of the best people I have the privilege of knowing. My deepest sympathy in this sad time.

Seth

November 20, 2013

Sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. He always had a smile and a great respect for his fellow man. Our deepest sympathy to his wife and family members.

Anthony & Ann Zennaiter

November 20, 2013

Bryan Palmieri

November 20, 2013

To Pete and his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I wish you all strength through this time of sorrow.

Justine

November 20, 2013

Our sincere condolences to the Higgins Family our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow

Dodie & Jack Byrne

November 20, 2013

My deepest condolences to Tom's family. I was so sad to hear of his passing, he definitely was one of the best Mayors to work for. I really loved working for him.

Judy DiVirgilio

November 20, 2013

My sympathy to the Higgins family at this time of sorrow. Keeping your family in my prayers. God Bless you.

Diane Wood

November 20, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the Higgins family.

Melissa Murray

November 20, 2013

Great, Great guy. We will miss one of Mechanicville easiest person to be with. Many great times on Third Street and at the Strangs Banquets.

Paul&Michele Mac Donald

November 20, 2013

We are sorry for your loss. I knew Tom when I was a member of the Rescue Squad and always knew him to be a nice and caring man.

E. Fisher

November 20, 2013

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Cheryl Kowalski

November 20, 2013

To the entire Higgins & Robens family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a good, good man & I always admired him. I have specially fond memories of the testimonial the city had for him & my dad. We heard all those things we who love them already knew so well. I am in Florida right now & can't be there to pay proper respects but please know I am with all of you in thought.
Fondly, Tina

Tina Pickett

November 20, 2013

To the Higgins Family
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing, he always brought a smile to my face. He was a kind and caring gentleman. He will be missed, please accept my deepest sympathy.

Anita Carney

November 20, 2013

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Higgins's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Higgins

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, Inc.

39 South Main Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Higgins's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more