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.
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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
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