Patrick Higgins

Corporal Patrick J. Higgins, Moosic, died Monday at home.
His wife was the former Mary Rose Hogan, who died September 13, 2001.
Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Patrick and Sara Murray Higgins. He was a member of the Church of Saint Joseph, was educated in Minooka public schools and graduated from Minooka Community High School. He was an Army veteran, serving in World War II, and was a sergeant with the 28th Infantry Division and the 110th Infantry Division. He served in the Battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. In the Battle of the Bulge, he received the Combat Infantry Badge. He also received the European African Middle Eastern Award Service Ribbon with Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Unit Award, 28th division. He served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 37 years and he was stationed in Philadelphia, Reading, Dushore, Towanda and Wyoming. He was well known for his state police TV and radio commentary. He also appeared on TV and radio as a safety director and also for community service. After retiring in November of 1983, he served as safety director for Wyoming Valley Motor Club and AAA Wilkes-Barre until 1996.
Pat was a member of The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 43, Wyoming State Police, and the Connley Post 568, Minooka, where he was a member for 62 years. He was a member of The AM VETs 189, Dupont; VFW Post 4909, Dupont; the Ancient Order of Hibernians O’Neil Division; and the Minooka Notre Dame Club. He served as charter president of the Minooka Lions Club and the Irish Cultural Society. In addition, he served as president for FOP Lodge 43 Home Association and as secretary for the Northeast State Police Retiree Association.
Surviving are one son, Francis, and wife Michele Higgins, Moosic; one daughter, Patricia, and husband Kenneth West, Moosic; five grandchildren, William and wife Susan Higgins; Jo Ann and husband Patrick Montagna; Timothy and wife Kimberly Higgins; Kathleen Higgins; Kenny West; three great-grandchildren, Michael Montagna, and Jeffrey and Patrick Higgins; one daughter-in-law, Ann Marie Higgins, Pittston; one nephew, William Maguire, Mountain Top; cousins.
He was preceded in death by one son, Patrick Higgins; and one sister, Mary Maguire.
The funeral will be Thursday at 9:30 a.m. from the Eagen Hughes Funeral Home, 2908 Birney Ave., Scranton, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Church of Saint Joseph, 312 Davis St., to be celebrated by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor
Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Minooka
Friends may call Wednesday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church Of Saint Joseph, 312 Davis St., Scranton, PA 18505 or to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Dr., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.