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Malachy J. Higgins

1954 - 2025

Malachy J. Higgins obituary, 1954-2025, San Francisco, CA

BORN

1954

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue

Daly City, California

Malachy Higgins Obituary

Malachy J. Higgins
04/18/1954 - 08/09/2025
Malachy (Mal) Higgins, born April 18th 1954, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends after a bravely fought battle with cancer.
Native of Cloncoose, County Leitrim, Ireland and resident of San Francisco for the past 40 years. Dearly missed by his beloved wife, Kathleen (nee Keighran). Devoted father of Anne (Vito), Fiona, and Kevin. Loving grandfather of Caileigh and Ciara Azzolino. Beloved brother of Bridie, Peggy, Pat, Kathleen, and Liz (Malachy's twin). Deeply missed by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and aunt. Malachy is preceded in death by his parents Hugh & Margaret Higgins and sister Mary Lavelle. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.
When Malachy first immigrated to San Francisco he was a tiler and then worked for the City & County of San Francisco for over 20 years. He was extremely passionate about Gaelic Football, and served on the North American County Board, Chairman of the Western Divisional Board, and a member of the San Francisco Youth League for many years. He refereed numerous games at Kezar Stadium and other San Francisco venues. If he wasn't on the pitch he was watching his favorite San Francisco sports teams the 49ers and Giants. In recent years nothing made him happier than spending time with his beloved granddaughters. May God rest his gentle soul.
A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14th at 11AM at St. Anne of the Sunset Church, 850 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122. Visitation will start at 10AM with a Rosary at 10:45, followed by the Funeral Mass with a Private Committal Service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 11 to Aug. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Malachy Higgins

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

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41 Entries

Bernard and Christina Murphy Ireland

August 14, 2025

Sincere condolences to Kathleen, Anne, Fiona and Kevin. Fond memories of Malachy when we resided in San Francisco. In loving memory of a wonderful person. Sending you all love at this difficult time from killarney Ireland. Bernard, Christina, Shauna and Gearoid Murphy x.

Jim and Patsy Creegan

August 14, 2025

So sorry to hear of Mal´s passing. Rest in Peace dear friend and cousin. Always enjoyed having a joke and a laugh with Mal. So good humoured and always a gentleman. His memory will live in n our hearts. Great times with Mal in the good old days in Cloncoose and Ballinamuck. We will miss his visits to Ireland. Sincere condolences to Kathleen Anne Fiona and Kevin. Peggy Liz Kathleen Bridie Pat and extended families. "Ar dheis De go raibh a Annam" Jim and Patsy Creegan Kildare Ireland.
Jim and Patsy Creegan Kildare Ireland

Tom McCaffrey

August 14, 2025

My sincere condolences to Kathleen and the family. Had mays a great chat with Malachy. I'm sorry I'm in Ireland and unable to attend the funeral.

Mary McLoughlin, Aughavas

August 14, 2025

Sincere sympathy to Kathleen, Anne, Fiona, Kevin and the Higgins Family. I was very sad to hear of Malachy's passing. Have many fond memories of meeting him down through the years at the North American finals. A gentleman and proud son of Leitrim. May He Rest in Peace.

john scully cork

August 14, 2025

sincere sympathy to kathleen and family restin peace malachy

John & Kathleen McIntyre Aughavas Co Leitrim & Portmagee Co Kerry

August 13, 2025

Our deepest Sympathy to Kathleen Anne, Fiona, Kevin and to the extended Higgins family on the sad passing of Malachy. May he rest in peace

Dennis English

August 13, 2025

Kathleen and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Malachy was a good man. I hadn't seen him for years until I started working for the city. He will be missed.
Dennis English

Pat and Breege Donnelly.

August 13, 2025

Deepest Sympathy to Kathleen and family and to the Extended Higgins and Keigran familys on the Sad Passing of Malachy one of Nature's Gentlemen Some great nights at home and in Sanfran Malachy or Kathleen never forget their Roots. May the Lord have Mercy on his Soul and May he Rest in peace.

Sarah ne Williams and Tommy Fallon Ballygar co Galway.

August 13, 2025

Deepest sympathy to you Kathleen Anne Fiona and Kevin on the passing of your beloved Husband and Dad Malachy may his gentle soul rest in peace thanks Malachy for all you and Kathleen did For us on our last trip to SF 2022..

Nora and Paddy Daly

August 13, 2025

R.I.P Malachy from Nora and Paddy Daly

John Mullen

August 13, 2025

R.I.P. Malachy

Nickey Brennan (Kilkenny)

August 13, 2025

Deepest sympathy to Malachy's Family on his passing. It was a pleasure to have known him over many years. The GAA is hugely indebted to Malachy for his wonderful work for the Association over the years in the United States. Condolences also to the GAA Gaels in San Francisco who will greatly miss Malachy as a good friend and colleague. RIP. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.

Declan Bohan, Bornacoola and Leitrim GAA

August 13, 2025

Deepest sympathies to Kathleen, Anne, Fiona, and Kevin, his siblings Bridie, Peggy, Pat, Kathleen, and Liz and the extended Higgins family on the sad passing of Malachy. I met first him first a number of years ago at a GAA Congress. He was a gentleman, a pleasure to meet. May he rest in peace.

Olive Gallagher nee Williams

August 13, 2025

Condolences to Kathleen, Anne, Fiona and Kevin on the sad loss of Malachy. Also to Liz and all his siblings. Malachy was a great friend to the Williams family, himself and Liz were in my class in Rossan school. We always met up when we visited San Francisco and of course on his many trips home. He will be so missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Malachy.

Emer Byrne (Canning)

August 13, 2025

Deepest sympathy to Liz and all Higgins Family. May he rest in peace from Emer Paul and Max Byrne (Canning)

Kathleen & Sean Dunleavy Drumlish

August 12, 2025

Deepest sympathy to Kathleen and family to Liz and all the Higgins family on the sad passing of Malachy.
Fond memories of Malachy and
Kathleen on a family wedding trip some years ago to San Francisco
During our time there, my brother Pat's trip would not be complete without visiting Malachy and Kathleen.
Their generosity knew no bounds.
A true gentleman
Rest in Peace Malachy

Sheila Purcell

August 12, 2025

Despite sympathy to Kathleen Ann Fiona Kevin and all the extended Higgins Family on the loss of Malachy may his gentle sole R.I.P. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Quinn Family, Edenmore, Ballinamuck.

August 12, 2025

Deepest Sympathy to the Higgins Family on the passing of Malachy. Very fond Memories of Malachy around Ballinamuck many years ago and more recent in the GAA.

Mary and Brendan McLoughlin

August 12, 2025

We have a lot of great memories of Malachy, from his days with the SF GAA and of course on St Patrick´s Day in O´Keeffe´s. He always had a smile and often a joke to share. He will be missed. Condolences to all the Higgins family.
Mary and Brendan McLoughlin

Thomas and Maureen Dolan

August 12, 2025

Our condolence to the Higgins family. malachy was such a gentleman I had the privilege working with him on the American board he´s going to be sadly missed may he rest in peace

Tom Connolly

August 12, 2025

My condolences to Kathleen , Anne , Fiona and Kevin . I had the privilege of meeting Malachy when he first came to San Fran ( The Boss of the Malachy !! ) when he worked for Gino , a true gentleman , was a great ambassador for our games in the US and lead by example . You will be sorely missed by us all . Ar dheis de go raibh a anam .

Tom Connolly

Mary & John Joe Williams, Ashbourne

August 12, 2025

It was with great sadness that we heard the news that Malachy had passed.We will definitely miss seeing that big smile and hearing that healty laugh.
Malachy will forever be remember in our house, because when I was on a visit to SF at a time when my daughter was expecting her first ,I just mentioned that I was going to visit Malachy, so when she heard his name she fell in love with it, and now she has a son called Malachy
so his memory will live on.
Malachy was a true Gale and a very Proud Leitrim man, he will be dearly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him
To the extended Higgins and Keighran Family's we offer our Sincere Condolence at this sad time.
May he Rest in Peace
Mary & John Joe Williams
Ashbourne
Co Meath

kaaren alvarado

August 12, 2025

Please accept my sincere apology for the passing Mal. Many wonder full memories of him at uncle benny's come to mind. my love and prayers for all. kaaren alvarado

Patsy Donegan

August 12, 2025

Sincere sympathy to Kathleen and family and all the Higgins family on the sad passing of Malachy.
Proud Leitrim man, GAA man and supported all things Irish.
Greeted everyone with a smile and always good company.
May he rest in peace.

Patsy & Lucy Donegan
Mohill.

John Considine Co. Clare Ireland.

August 12, 2025

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Malachy , a true gentleman RIP.

Anne Creegan

August 12, 2025

We are 2nd cousins, and our families were close. I have the fondest memories of our days with all the Higgins family in Concoose.
In later years,on his visits home, Malachy along with his twin Liz, always visited Mam in Mohill. She appreciated those visits and chats so much. Sincere sympathies to Kathleen, Anne, Fiona and Kevin, Malachy's grandchildren, siblings and loved ones.
RIP Malachy
Anne Lee (Creegan )

PJ Meehan

August 12, 2025

Great memories of a true gael and gentleman as I offer my deepest sympathy to Malachy's family on his sad passing. San Fran and Leitrim have lost one of their best friends who brought his broad smile to every room he entered. I have great memories of your last visit as we travelled around Leitrim ending up on the top of Sliabh an Iarann where the view of the Leitrim countryside was a picture of God's greatest creation 'Lovely Leitrim'. Your pride in your native townland, county and country was etched on your face that day. May you enjoy eternal rest as you meet many other gaels who have entered their heavenly home. R.I.P. Malachy.

Brendan osullivan

August 12, 2025

condolence to the Higgins family on the passing of Malachy .a true Gaa . individual may he rest in peace.

John O Donovan

August 12, 2025

To Kathleen and family sorry for your loss from John O Donovan and family in Ireland

Brian and Ann Canning

August 12, 2025

Sending out heartfelt condolences to Kathleen and family on the sad loss of Malachy.
To Bridie, Peggy, Pat, kathleen and Liz and families we send our dearest sympathies on the loss of your lovely brother.
We had a lovely catch up with him last year when he was home for the birthday celebration with his twin Liz. May his gentle soul rest peacefully

Gerry Deane

August 12, 2025

My sincere condolences to Kathleen and all the Higgins family on the sad passing of Malachy.
Malachy tiled for me many years ago in San Francisco and a good one he was. Very proud Leitrim man and a great Gaa man.
May his soul rest in peace.

Gerry Deane,Naas

Catherine McManus/McKenna

August 12, 2025

Our deepest condolences Kathleen Anne Fiona and Kevin, for Malachy, I have very found memories of him. May he rest in peace. Catherine (Mc manus) McKenna & family

Frank Egan

August 12, 2025

Rest in peace Malachy,a true gentleman, friend and wonderful uncle, we'll miss you xxxx

Anne Bohan

August 11, 2025

Deepest sympathy to all the Higgins family on the loss of Malachy..
I have fond memories of him as a child just dropping in daily for a mug of taé with Packie and Anna and his infectious laughter.
May his soul rest in peace.

Anne

Joey Bechelli

August 11, 2025

This week is tough for everyone friends and family.. We just lost a great family friend. This is not a good bye my friend. Rest in peace. Remember he is in a great place right now with our dear father Jesus. We love you and we will dearly miss you. A one big thank you Mr. Malachy for including us as part of your family and all the wonderful memories of conversation that we had with you and your family. The Bechelli Family- John, Lani,Irish, Gian and Joey Our deepest condolences Kathleen, Fiona, Anne and Kevin Higgins..

Lani

August 11, 2025

Our deepest condolences Kathleen, Fiona, Anne and Kevin. May his soul rest in eternal peace. love John, Lani, Irish , Gian and Joey Bechelli.

Nick Kyriakou

August 11, 2025

R.I.P in gods hands my friend!

Nick Kyriakou

August 11, 2025

R.I.P in gods hands my good friend!

Noeleen Bohan McGovern

August 11, 2025

Dear Kathleen, Anne, Fiona, Kevin and all the Higgins & Keighran family:
My deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of a dear friend and neighbor, Malachy. He will be sorely missed and I will cherish all the great memories we had growing up across the field from one another. From bringing me to my first day of school, teaching me how to drive a tractor and many more great memories that I will cherish forever. Rest peacefully now.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and sending you all my love.

Noeleen

Gerard Mc Cahill

August 11, 2025

My condolences to the Higgins family. RIP Malachi.

Teresa O Sullivan

August 11, 2025

Kathleen, Anne, Fiona , Kevin and the Higgins family
I was so sorry to hear of Malachy passing, he was a dear friend to me and all the Williams family, I enjoyed meeting up with him everytime I visited SF, also at CYC we had some laughs,
Rest in Peace my friend
You will be missed from Leitrim all the way to San Francisco

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results

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Memorial Events
for Malachy Higgins

Aug

14

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Saint Anne of the Sunset Catholic Church

850 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122

Aug

14

Service

10:45 a.m.

Saint Anne of the Sunset Catholic Church

850 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122

Funeral services provided by:

Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014

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