Hugh Higgins Obituary
Irondequoit- Friday, February 2, 2024 at the age of age of 67. Hugh is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; son, Iain; daughter, Kiera; brother, Thomas (Joan) Higgins; sister, Nancy Higgins and many loving relatives and countless dear friends.
Hugh was born on May 2, 1956 in San Francisco, California to Hugh and Marianne Higgins. The family moved to Long Island before settling in Brighton, New York. He was a proud graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School and St. Bonaventure University and obtained a Master's degree from American University.
In 1992, Hugh began a 25 year career as a teacher at Eastridge High School where his kindness and passion for American History inspired countless students and colleagues.
Hugh was an ardent reader, a lover of music, and a loyal sports fan. When he wasn't deep in a book he was listening to The Rolling Stones. He loudly cheered on the Buffalo Bills for many decades.
His fascination with nature and the outdoors led Hugh to spend many summer vacations hiking and camping with his family.
Hugh leaned on his lifelong Catholic faith as he bravely battled Parkinson's disease for over 13 years. His greatest joys in life were his wife and his children. Please raise a pint in memory of Hugh.
His family will receive friends Wednesday, February 7, 4-7pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.). Friends are invited to meet the family Thursday, February 8, 9:30am at Sacred Heart Cathedral for his Funeral Mass. Interment Irondequoit Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in Hugh's name towards McQuaid Jesuit tuition assistance scholarships, programs at Eastridge High School, or any charity that aims to further access to education.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Hugh Higgins, please visit our Tree Store
570 Kings Hwy South, Rochester, NY 14617
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Mary Ann Glennon
February 8, 2024
Remember meeting him at the Rolling Stone concert at Rich stadium the summer of 1975. He was there with Scott McCarthy.
My Bona gals all remember him as a kind and nice guy.
May he be at Peace.
Dr. Monica Weis SSJ
February 7, 2024
I can only echo Tim Leahy's fine tribute. Hugh was a solid citizen of Our Lady of Lourdes in the 70s and a joy to have in the classroom--as Tim Leahy says: "a kind and genuine young man." It was obvious from various tributes and his obituary, that Hugh was a well-rounded guy, full of love and enthusiasm for life. May those gifts live in his children, inspire his friends, and be a source of solace for Kathleen. Know all of you are wrapped in love and prayer.
Tim Leahy
February 5, 2024
Hugh was one of my students at Our Lady of Lourdes back in the early 70´s. He was a standout student, involved in activities, and seemingly friends with most of his classmates. He was a kind & genuine young man. I was lucky to also teach his sister Nancy and brother Tom and got to know their parents quite well.
I was fortunate to catch up with him when his daughter and my Grandaughter played Softball together. He was struggling with his health issue then but was still upbeat and positive.
He will be missed and remembered by all for the outstanding man he was. My sympathies to Kathi and his children & siblings. May he R.I.P.
Tim Leahy
Lisa Hill DiFusco
February 5, 2024
Hugh, I remember you so well from grammar school... your sweetness and kindness. Your legacy continues with your family and children. And you are now in heaven. All Glory to God!
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Scott Guilmartin
February 5, 2024
I was fortunate to know Hugh in college and count him as a friend. At pre-event get togethers we would commandeer the stereo and play our favorite artists, Stones, Dylan, Motown, etc. Could never convince him of the superiority of the Beatles versus Stones. We had great times together. I only learned recently of his health struggles. I regret we lost touch. My deepest condolences to his family. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Wahl Jr
February 4, 2024
Hugh Higgin was one of my closest friends growing up. He and his family moved in the late 60's to Viennawood Dr. He was in the 'new' section of the development. We were first on the street in 1962 and watched all the houses being built. Hugh was a tremendous basketball and baseball fan and player. We would have long battles of playing b-ball at his house and mine. We went to Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Lourdes and McQuaid Jesuit.
Hugh and I double dated for a prom. During the after party at Uncle John's Pancake House was witness to a fork throwing incident...which hit my large glass of milk and went all over my rented Green Velour Tux and pants! We promised never to speak of the incident again!
He was a tremendous friend...but more importantly he was wonderful husband to Kathi, father and brother. He made the world a better place and will be sorely missed. May God bless you Hugh, and your family!
Paul Bonsignore
February 4, 2024
Grilling at family picnics. Talking about the Bills and things I can´t write down here!!
Ann Borrelli
February 4, 2024
We lost a great one this past Friday,2/4/2024 ! I grew up with Hugh and grew to love him . We went to Our Lady Queen of Peace and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic grammar schools in Brighton and eventually made our way to St. Bonaventure where we quickly became better friends. We were both history majors and shared many textbooks together as well as classes. I could always count on Hugh to take detailed notes during lectures . If I didn't make it to those very early classes, especially after a Bona basketball game he was always willing to share with me his notes. In high school he often went with me, out of the goodness of his heart and his moms prodding as my "date" to my all girl Catholic high school dances at St. Agnes. We shared many, many laughs and great times. We grew up together and kept in touch over the years at various Bona alumni gatherings. About 18 years ago I had the privileged of doing an Art show at the Rochester Museum and my "neighbor at the art show" was Kathi Bonsignoir Higgins, Hugh's beautiful bride along with his daughter Kiera who was helping Kathi at the show. It was an amazing experience for me and I came to know and love Kathi with each show we participated in. We shared a love of creating ,me with my fiber arts and Kathi with her beautiful jewelry creations. We quickly found we shared a love for Our Lord Jesus Christ and I often would see her at various masses in the Rochester Community. After Art shows Hugh and his son Iain along with my husband Frank who also went to St. Bonaventure and knew Hugh would show up after the shows and help us tear down and pack up until the next show where I would see Kathi. I always enjoyed seeing this amazing family of faith and kindness and laughter and compassion . Hugh and Kathi raised 2 amazing children and Hugh's legacy lives on in them. He was so proud of his family. He was one of the most honorable,kind people I ever knew and I will think of him fondly, with smiles on my face . My husband and I are season Bona basketball ticket holders and rarely miss a game and now before each game I will look to the heavens and think of Hugh and thank The Lord for having brought him and his family into my life. Rest in peace my friend, Annie Edelman Borrelli
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