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Geoffrey Higginbotham Obituary
33, of Nelson Street, Rumford, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and an inspiration to all passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and closest friends on Tuesday February 28, 2017.
Born in Providence, a son of Stephen P. and Ellen-Ann (Corry) Higginbotham of Barrington, he lived in Rumford for the past three years.
Mr. Higginbotham was an English teacher at East Providence High School for the past eight years.
Geoffrey was a graduate of Boston College Class of 2005, a member of the Alumni Association and was a student film critic. He was a member of the East Providence Educational Association and the National Education Association. He enjoyed movies, golfing and spending time with his loving family and friends.
Besides his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Kate Ellen Higginbotham of Bristol and Meg Corry Higginbotham of Barrington; a brother, Matthew S. Higginbotham and his wife Sandra of Cumberland; two beloved nephews, Gavin and Dylan and beloved aunts and uncles, Susan and George Luz, William and Karen Corry, John and Toni Corry, Richard and Carole Higginbotham and Kathleen Higginbotham.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday March 5, 2017 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 3-7 p.m. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday March 6, 2017 in St. Luke Church, 108 Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Geoffrey's memory to the Scholarship Foundation of East Providence, INC., P.O. Box 154438, East Providence, RI, 02915 or the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193 in memory of Geoffrey P. Higginbotham would be deeply appreciated. wrwatsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey Higginbotham
Sponsored by W.R. Watson Funeral Home.
Barbara Larkin
February 26, 2021
Still remember my granddaughters and Clair talking about Mr. Higgs He was loved by all.
BJ. Larkin
Eileen Selogie
April 6, 2017
Dear Ellen-Ann and Steve, I just received your card today and it reminded me of our short time together in CLE. I was so honored to meet you, Geoff and your wonderful family, and I can feel your pain. I hope we have the chance to meet again to celebrate his life and the strength your family has with each other. Love to you all.
Ken and Phyllis Parker
April 1, 2017
Steve, Ellen-Ann,
Though we did not know Geoff, we send our condolences to your and your family. Ofttimes we would think of Geoff and all that he went through and of your persistent love and caring of him. Reading of the many other memories below shows what an incredible young man he turned out to be and of the effect he had on so many family, friends and acquaintances. May you both find peace and rest at this time and may many fond memories continually pervade your lives of his wonderful "being".
Connie ( Amaral) Crowshaw
March 7, 2017
Ellen Ann, Stephen, and family,
I'm sorry for the loss of your son Geoffrey. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Connie
David Saunders
March 6, 2017
Ellen Ann, Steve & family,
I was deepened sadden to here about Geoff. I know what he and the family has gone through over the years and can't not imagine how you feel. Everything I've heard about him reminded me that he was just like his mom. A very caring teacher and great person. May the good memories get you through this difficult time. All of you will be in my prayers & thoughts.
March 6, 2017
My deepest sympathies to all of Mr Higgs family. Mr. Higgs was a very special teacher to both my kids. He always focused on strengths of the student. My son wasn't much of a student, but he had a connection with Mr. Higgs. I am so very sorry for your loss. May the comfort of our Lord ease your pain.
Elizabeth Miller
Kris Corrigan
March 6, 2017
Steve and family so sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time...
Sincerely
Amy Tomasi
March 6, 2017
We remember Geoff playing ball on the lawn as a kid and then a teenager, with his brother and friends. He had a beautiful spirit you could see from a mile away, and that was evident through all the trials he faced with such dignity and grace. He has been a role model for us in difficult times. Our prayers are with him and all of you today and always.
John and Amy Tomasi
Patricia, Matthew, Alex, and Stephaney Buteau
March 5, 2017
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of Geoff. Both my sons were privileged to have Mr. Higg as a teacher and mentor. When I shared with them about his passing, they both began recalling stories of how much of a difference Mr Higg had been in their lives. I want to thank you from the deepest depths of my heart for raising a son who has made such a monumental impact on my sons and many students at East Providence High School. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and acceptance will forever be embedded in the lives of many adolescents.
With deepest sympathies,
Anthony F. Guglielmi, Jr.
March 5, 2017
M/M Higginbotham & family...I am a colleague of your son Geoff. I only met him a few times since I was assigned to EPHS several years ago. I have spoken to students and many faculty members during the past week as is part of my professional responsibilities. I have since come to learn what a remarkable young man your son Geoff was. He lived life to his fullest extent and left an indelible impression on those who met him. He made a difference in peoples lives. Socrates said, "A man is alive as long as he is remembered." I have no doubt that your son Geoff will live in perpetuity. I bid you fond and warm memories of all your loved ones. May God bless Geoff, you and your family.
Cheryl LaFontaine Rebello
March 5, 2017
May you find peace and comfort knowing you have friends and family that will always be there for you and always thinking of Geoff.
Cindy and Phil Merkle
March 5, 2017
Steve and Ellen-Ann,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Elaine & Martha Feminine Fancies
March 5, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Peggy Jalbert
March 5, 2017
To the Higginbotham Family,
My memories of Geoff go back to St. Luke School. He was always so enthusiastic, upbeat and such a hard worker because he had the support of his entire family. I can only imagine the inspiration he was to his students.
I will remember all of you in my prayers.
Peggy Jalbert
Holly Clark
March 5, 2017
I only met "Mr. Higgs" (as the students referred to him) once last year at parent teacher conferences. He seemed like such a kind and caring man. He will be missed by many.
My sympathies go out to his family, friends, colleagues and students. It is always a tremendous loss to lose a loved one especially so young. I am grateful for the time he had and all of the lives he touched.
Ralph Fleming Jr.
March 5, 2017
Dear Stephan, Ellen-Ann & Family:
Sending my deepest condolences. May all your happy memories bring you peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
mary Reddington / OReilly
March 5, 2017
Stephen , Ellen Ann ,and family My deepest sympathy to you all I cared for Geoffrey in potter building I always admired the wonderful family and strength you had I enjoyed all Ellen Ann stories Always positive ! May all your fond memories help you thru this time He was so very accomplished All my Love Mary OReilly
March 5, 2017
To the Higginbothams, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sincerely,
Kathy (Fontes) Sobel
Jm & Debby Baldwin
March 4, 2017
To the Higginbotham Family,
So very sorry for your loss!
Pat Grattan
March 4, 2017
Why??? I surely can't answer that except to know in my heart that his life, his struggles, and the family journey have shown me a glimpse of divine love, heroic courage, and incredible heartache. Every parent has lost a piece of our heart, every student will forever pay tribute to that one special teacher who only comes along once in a generation. While God rejoices in His good and faithful servant, the world weeps that we needed him now more than ever. With prayers and tears,
March 4, 2017
Dear Stephen and Ellen Ann,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.I never met Geoff but felt I knew him from all the wonderful stories about him and also you, Ellen Ann. My grandaughters both went to EPHS and talked of you all the time. Thank you for sharing Geoff the my granddaughter Kelly Tiernan. He was such a role model.
Barbara (BJ) Larkin= Claire's friend and Amy and Kelly Tiernan's grandmother.
Susan Campagna
March 4, 2017
Stephen, Ellen Ann and the entire Higginbotham family.....I was so sorry to hear of Geoffrey's passing. I'm seeing what an incredible adult he became....his life speaks volumes. He was an incredible child as well. I cared for Geoffrey many times in the Potter Building and his legacy started way back when!
My sympathies to all of you. May God bless you all.
March 3, 2017
We are all on a journey home, Geoff is home. Amen! So glad and thankful that our own journey included Geoff. As time has gone on we really "get it." This is part of a big plan. Geoff was here to help us understand what's really important. Family, making connections, helping others, being peaceful and accepting. We're all better off for having Geoff in our lives. Eats won't be the same without him. Our hearts go out to you all.
Love, George and Diane
Patty & Jay Hurley
March 3, 2017
May you rest in eternal peace, Geoff. Our deepest condolences to the Higginbotham and Corry families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 3, 2017
May God bless you and your family. Geoff was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I am glad that I was able to know him.
Wayne Branch
Frank DeVall
March 3, 2017
This young man touched more people in his short life than most have in much longer lives. He and his family have been and will continue to be inspriations to all who come in contact with them. My heartfelt condolences to Steve, Ellen Ann, Katie, Megs, Matt and the extended Higg Family and Friends.
Jean Bishop
March 3, 2017
Steve, Ellen-Ann and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Geoff's passing. He was a strong, amazing boy and man making the most of his young life and leaving such an impact. I will always remember him as such a gentleman and good friend to Elyse at St. Luke's and BHS.
He will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Jean Bishop & the Bishop family
Robert, Teri, Isabella, and Alvaro Ferreira
March 3, 2017
As we grow older we remember so little of our school years. I was a student of Geoff's mother and she is one of those rare teachers that stays with you forever. It was a privilege to be her student so many years ago. It was thrilling for me as a father to have my two children become students of Mr. Higgs. I am sure that the time they spent with him will live on as well. It is a truly wonderful teaching legacy and in that way a kind of immortality. Our family's prayers and condolences are with your family.
Bill and Nancy Flanagan
March 3, 2017
Steve and Ellen Ann,
Nancy and I send our love and condolences. We are heartbroken over the loss of this wonderful young man. I really got to know Geoff when he student taught and we shared a lot of laughs. Nancy would always remark how his students loved him. I have always been in awe of the tremendous strength the two of you exhibited throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Bill and Nancy
Helen Oliveira
March 2, 2017
My condolences to his family and friends and the many students over the past couple of days who have showed what a special person he was by their Facebook posts. It goes to show how amazing he was and how many lives he touched. May he now Rest In Peace.
Kaitlyn Dubord
March 2, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Higg was the greatest teacher, but an even greater man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a role model to myself and pretty much the whole EPHS. He'll be deeply missed.
Jonathan Bowering
March 2, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss Ellen-Ann, Steve and family. Geoffrey was a fighter, such a strong man in every way.
You are all in my thoughts,
Jonathan Bowering
Meg DeSilva
March 2, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. God has gained another angel.
Kathy Coyne
March 2, 2017
Dear Ellen-Ann and Steve,
There are no words to adequately express how deeply sorry we are for the loss of your beloved son! Although we did not know Geoff personally we have heard wonderful stories about him throughout the years! Reading all the tributes to him from his colleagues and students validates what an inspiration he was to all who knew and loved him! Please know that we are thinking and praying for your family at this difficult and sad time.
March 2, 2017
Steve, Ellen-Ann, and family,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your son, Geoff. You are in our thoughts and prayers, during this difficult time.
Mark and Betsy Hubbard
Lisa Litteral
March 2, 2017
My daughter and so many of her friends attending EP High are so deeply saddened about the sad news of Mr. HIGGS passing. He must of been an amazing teacher as everyone who knew him loved him so much. I am very sorry to his family and friends. May he rest in paradise
Savanna Massaroco
March 2, 2017
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Mr.Higg was one of my biggest supporters and someone I looked up to everyday. He will be immensely missed by not only me but the entire EPHS student body.
Natalia Lima
March 2, 2017
My deepest condolences for this incredible loss. His name "Higgy" was echoed in my home for years as my daughter described him as the best teacher she has ever had. He provided her with guidance, recommendations for colleges, advice, humor, and lastly, an amazing mentor that she will always remember. Again, my sincerest sympathies to all who knew him.
Natalia Lima
March 2, 2017
My deepest condolences for such an incredible loss. His name has been echoed in my home for years as my daughter spoke so highly of him and her great memories in his class for her sophomore year at East Providence High School. He provided her with guidance, advice, recommendations for colleges, and lastly, with an amazing mentor experience she will never forget. They communicated on occasion after she graduated and she continued to say that by far, he was the most influential teacher she has ever had. Again, my deepest sympathies to all who knew him.
Lori Chandonnais
March 2, 2017
Steve and family- sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your son. I know how devoted you were to him and I'm sure he felt that love every day. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Madison Chartier
March 2, 2017
I am in complete and utter shambles at the news of Mr.Higg. I`ll miss him completely, even as he was gone from the classroom all those months I missed and thought of him almost everyday, hoping he`d buck up and come back. To be completely honest, He was the one teacher I felt I could absolutely trust with anything I had to say. To me, He was the best teacher that I had the good fortune to joke around and learn from, Mr.Higg`s was always quick to make a sassy remark or to make his opinion known and I regard him with the highest respect. I would be grateful to attend his funeral if the family would allow, and I send my deepest comforts to his family.
I hope to meet you again, you left your mark with the student`s you taught and they will never forget your lessons Mr.Higg, We all love you greatly.
March 2, 2017
My condolences to his family. I am a student at East Providence and I looked forward to seeing him everyday. He was truly an inspiration
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