Obituary of John J. Higgins

John J. “Jack” Higgins, 87, of Freehold passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2015. He was born in the family farmhouse in Colts Neck on September 7, 1927 and grew up in Marlboro. He graduated from Freehold High School, Class of 1945 where he was a star athlete in football and baseball. Upon graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he returned to Freehold and began a career in banking at the Freehold Trust Company, later known as Central Jersey Bank and Trust Company, where he attained the title of Vice President. He was a graduate of the American Institute of Banking and served as the President of the Monmouth County Banker’s Association. After 30 years in banking, he joined the corporate world as Comptroller for MPS Marketing, Englewood. Jack gave back to his community through his service in the Freehold Lion’s Club, Freehold Council No. 1672, Knights of Columbus, a member of Msgr. Kivelitz General Assembly, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus where he served as Faithful Navigator, American Legion Post No. 54, Phillip A. Reynolds Detachment of the Marine Corps League, B.P.O.E Lodge No. 1454 and the Colts Neck Sports Foundation. Jack was proud of his Irish heritage and possessed the Irish flair for storytelling. His family was his greatest treasure and he was blessed with a big loving family who cherished him greatly. He loved and was so proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He had a knack for making those around him feel special, be it with a warm smile, a loving nickname, or for the little ones, a dollar bill. He valued education and, with his wife Marian, sacrificed greatly to make certain that all three of his children graduated from college. He has left an indelible mark on all of our hearts and we are all better for having known and loved him. He was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Mary Higgins; a brother, James F. Higgins, and a sister, Mary Higgins Kowalski. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marian Green Higgins, daughter Maura Farrell and her husband Don, daughter Kerry Higgins and son KC Higgins; grandchildren Brian Farrell and his partner Zed Stanley and Kathleen Farrell, a brother, Robert C. Higgins, and many beloved nieces and nephews who provided love and support during his final journey. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 12 at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at St. Mary’s Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck at 8:45 am Monday July 13, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold. Memorial donations to the Kennedy Edward Kowalski Charitable Foundation, 111 Crow Hill Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 would be appreciated.