Clayton A. Higgins Jr.

1929 - 2022

Clayton A. Higgins Jr.

Concord, NH — Clayton A. Higgins, Jr. of Concord, NH passed away on April 21, 2022 at Presidential Oaks. He was born in Lyme, NH on November 17, 1929 to Clayton A. Higgins and Adeline (Crohan) Higgins. He later lived in Suncook and Concord. He was happily married to the former Rachel Lanzo for 67 years before she passed in 2016.

Clayton graduated from Pembroke Academy and went to work for the Boston and Maine Railroad in Concord as a 4-year apprentice. Here he learned about all things mechanical. In 1955, he became a call firefighter for the Concord Fire Department because it "sounded exciting." As his family grew, he started working at Pembroke Boats where he began a lifelong interest in painting, finishes, and woodworking. His love of firefighting, however, was strong and he returned to the Concord Fire Department where he was quickly promoted to Captain in the early 1960s. From there, he began the Concord Fire Prevention Bureau which operated out of the newly opened Heights Station housing Engine 7. Clayton was instrumental in bringing the professional Paramedic program, the first in the state, to the CFD. He was promoted to Deputy Chief in 1970. In January, 1972 he received the highest grade on the written exam and was appointed Chief of the fire department by the City Manager. He retired from the department in 1979, but his love of the fire service never left him. He taught Fire Science in the community college system, consulted on fire safety and building regulations, and became an advocate for the growth of the CFD.

Never one to remain idle for long, Clayton's retirement was brief, and he was hired by Concord Hospital to oversee the Safety and Security departments. This position quickly morphed into risk management, where he was promoted to Director.

After another retirement, he and Rachel wintered in Venice, FL. In 2017, Clayton moved to an apartment at Presidential Oaks where he entertained all with his stories of various jobs over the years: from driving a team of horses and a snow plough for the town of Pembroke, to operating the snorkel fire apparatus.

In recent years, Clayton was proud of two accomplishments. The first is a scholarship he funded to NHTI's paramedic program. The second involves a 5-foot, 1200 lb. circle of steel known as the "gong", that was a railroad wheel used with a hammer in the former East Concord fire station to signal an emergency to call firefighters. Once that fire station closed down, Clayton realized that a piece of history would be lost. He had it moved to Bradley and Penacook streets, home of the Local 1045 of the Professional Firefighters of NH union building, where it is proudly displayed on the corner.

Clayton was predeceased by his parents; his wife; a sister, Bernice "Bunny" Good Todd; two brothers, Leon "Red" Higgins and Albert Higgins. He is survived by his daughters Peggy Moses (Russell) of Chesapeake, VA, Patricia Croteau (Tom) of Concord, NH, and Kathy Higgins-Consoli (Henry) of Manchester, NH; a sister, Thelma Korthals of Minnesota; 8 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Calling Hour will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, Concord, NH.

A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am also at the funeral home, followed by a burial service at Maple Grove Cemetery.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clayton's name to The Friendly Kitchen, P.O. Box 373, Concord, NH 03302 or Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire, 55 Bradley Street, Concord, NH 03301.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home of Concord, NH. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettfuneral.com.