Richard S. Higgins, of Dorchester, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 with his family by his side. He was 68.
Born in the Franklin Field neighborhood of Boston on November 19, 1948 he was a son of Patricia (Brown) Lewis and the late Richard J. Higgins. Ricky was raised in Dorchester and was a graduate of Dorchester High School with the class of 1966. He honorably served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army and later served in the Massachusetts National Guard. He married Margie E. White in the former Saint William's Church and together they made Dorchester their home to raise their four children.
Ricky worked as an electrician at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Jamaica Plain for many years before retiring in 2004.
He was a longtime member, past Vice-President and President of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO L.U. #1213. His needs were few and his blessings many. He was happiest at home amongst family and being 'Papa' to his five grandchildren. An avid sports fan he was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox.
Ricky is predeceased by his father, Richard, his brother, Michael Higgins and his father-in-law, Robert White.
In addition to his wife of 49 years, Margie, he leaves their children, Michelle Breslin and her husband, Stephen of Bridgewater, Lorrie Higgins, Richard Higgins and Michael Higgins, all of Dorchester; his grandchildren, Lauren, Shaelyn, Makayla, Shane and William; his mother, Patricia (Brown) Lewis of Taunton; his brothers, James Higgins, Stephen Higgins and John Lewis; his mother-in-law, Kay White of Dorchester; also survived by many nieces & nephews, relatives and friends.
Family and friends will honor and remember Richard's life by gathering for calling hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER, on Monday, November 20th, from 4-7 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday in St. Margaret Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 800 Columbia Road at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, Roslindale.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester, 1135 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02125.