Name: Visitation for John C. Higby
Start: 2016-01-29T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-01-30T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home - North King

John C. "Jack" Higby, 80, of North Kingstown, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Jan. 27 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Priscilla (Hoar) Higby for 56 years.
Born in Medford, Mass., he was the son of the late James A. and Nellie B. (Bullerwell) Higby.
Mr. Higby graduated from Arlington High School, received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Lowell and earned his Master's Degree from UConn.
He was a music teacher for the Town of North Kingstown for 33 years before retiring, and had moonlighted as a bartender.
Mr. Higby was a former member of the North Kingstown School Committee. He was the founder and Director of the North Kingstown Players. He was also a member of The Savoyards, a musical theatre group; and performed in summer stock at Theatre by the Sea.
He was active in high school sports, refereeing basketball and soccer; and was a girl's basketball coach. He enjoyed theatre, music, golf and travel; and was a hockey fan.
Besides his wife, he leaves two nieces whom he raised, Regina "Gina" Campbell and her husband, Scott of Wakefield and Renee Sevigny and her partner Andrea Carneiro of Warwick; a grandniece, Jessica Pierson; a grandnephew, Matthew Lombardi; and a great-grand nephew, Jacob Pierson. He also leaves a sister Ginny Brown of Arlington, Mass.; and many other nieces and nephews.
His funeral service was held Saturday, Jan. 30 in Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown.Burial followed in Elm Grove Cemetery. Visiting For condolences visit:www.FaganQuinnFuneralHome.com.

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Published by Southern Rhode Island Newspapers from Feb. 2 to Feb. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Higby

Sponsored by Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home - North King.

9 Entries

Marsha Boyer Clark

February 24, 2016

I sang in concert choir at NKHS from '62-'65. Mr. Higby was a bright spot in many of our lives. I remember him fondly and thank him for a wonderful experience.

February 2, 2016

PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES. JOHN AND I TAUGHT TOGETHER FOR 11 YEARS IN NORTH KINGSTOWN UNTIL I TRANSFERRED T WEST WARWICK AS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL. JOHN WAS AN EXELLENT TEACHER AND A GOOD MUSICIAN. HE AFFECTED MANY STUDENTS IN A VERY POSITIVE MANNER AND HIS LIFE WAS MEANINGFUL BOTH TO FRIENDS AND TO FAMILY.

DR. LIONEL G. ARCHAMBAULT

David Sironen

January 30, 2016

John Higby changed my life. I sang in the Concert Choir at North Kingstown High School under his direction for 3 years. He taught me a lifelong love for music, taught me how to sing, gave me self confidence and later, befriended and mentored me whenever I needed support or guidance.
With his larger than life personality he was not what I'd call easy going but he had a very caring nature and was a positive force for the thousands of kids who passed through his classes and musical ensembles through the years.
Thank you "Jack" for your teaching and the many kindnesses you've shown to me and countless others throughout your life.

Susan Egan

January 29, 2016

Mr. Higby will always be remembered by me. I have told this story for years how at graduation when we all sang he did not want to hear my voice because I sang so off key. Well he was right even my family say the same thing and only want me to hum. A man who will be missed but never forgotten. Susan Fredella Egan class of 1963

Priscilla Johnson

January 29, 2016

Jack was my music teacher in 8th grade. I knew him throughout my high school years. He directed plays and concerts. An expert at whatever he did. So sorry to hear of your loss Priscilla and family.

Erin Blair Haggarty

January 29, 2016

I sang my way through NKHS because of this man's guidance, encouragement and teaching. He could be a hard task-master, but he only ever wanted us to sing and perform to the best of our ability. He told me once (many years after high school that I could call him 'Jack', but he will always be 'Mr. Higby' to me. RIP Good Sir.

Coach Bob Hueston

January 28, 2016

Jack first started teaching at NK my senior year of H.S. I later taught with Jack and was a friend for 29 years. Jack, rest in peace my friend.

L. Michelle Smith

January 28, 2016

Four years of NKHS Chorus and Concert Choir with the best instructor anyone could have asked for at the helm; a true inspiration. RIP Mr. Higby.

Bob Owen

January 28, 2016

My heartfelt condolences go out to you Priscilla, Gina and Renee on your loss. My life has been so intermingled with Jack's throughout the past 55 years that it is difficult to express the regret that I feel now that he is gone, but still revere his life for all those times he believed that so many of us could be and do so much more. He was a man who was a true inspiration who helped many of us reach higher and achieve more in our lives.
That is the legacy of a great teacher and that is the legacy of John C. Higby.

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