Thomas E. Higley

Thomas E. Higley, 87, of Elmira, N.Y., formerly of Sayre, Pa., passed away on Oct. 10, 2010 at home following an extended illness.

He was born on Jan. 28, 1923, in South Waverly, Pa., the son of the late Cecil A. and Mildred A. Kennedy Higley.

Thomas graduated from South Waverly schools in 1939 and Waverly High School in 1941. While in high school, Thomas excelled in football and baseball but was an outstanding athlete in basketball. After finishing school, he served in the United States Army during World War II as a Tech 4 in Company C, 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was very honored to have played on the Army Championship softball and basketball teams. Upon returning from the service, he was employed with the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Ingersoll Rand and the Valley Joint Sewer Authority as superintendent, retiring in 1986. Thomas loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to travel, enjoyed gardening and liked teaching others the art of gardening. Thomas was an exceptional cook and loved to bake for his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Thomas was a member of St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in Elmira, N.Y., served on the Sayre School Board for 26 years, serving as secretary for 21 years, was a member of the Athens/Sayre Rotary Club, a member of the 32nd Degree F&AM Mason in Daytona, Fla., a member of the Hibernians in Elmira, N.Y., a member of the Sayre ELKS Lodge BPOE No. 1148, a member of the American Legion, and a member of the VFW Skiff-Bower Post No. 1536.

Thomas is survived by: his wife Clara at home; his children and their spouses, Susan and Charles Halton of Sayre, Pa., Rosemarie and John Ephlin of Sayre, Pa., and Thomas and Karen Higley of Sayre, Pa.; grandchildren, Esq. Bridget (Dr. John) Kraft of Athens, Pa., Dr. Benjamin Halton of Philadelphia, Pa., and Elizabeth and Marshall Higley of Sayre, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Ella and Beckett Kraft; sisters, Mary Martin of Elmira, N.Y., and Mattie Miller of Sayre, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010 at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, at the corner of High Street and St. Joseph's Boulevard, Elmira, N.Y., with the Rev. Rick Farrell officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home Inc., Athens, Pa. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made in Thomas's memory for his son's transplant. Send all donations to the: Thomas M. Higley Fund, c/o First Citizens National Bank, 308 W. Lockhart St., Sayre, PA 18840. Thomas is the son of Thomas E. Higley who is awaiting a transplant.

(Those wishing to sign the E-guestbook and send condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.)