Obituary of Richard L. Higgs

Richard L. Higgs, 90, of 3118 Strunk Road, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, three weeks short of his 91st birthday. He was born July 30, 1925 in Brocton, N.Y., a son of the late Levi and Marie Dayton Higgs. Dick was the husband of the late Mary Ann Latona Higgs, whom he married July 3, 1948 after first meeting at the Midway Roller Rink, and who died September 9, 2011. They loved to dance throughout their 63 years of marriage. A veteran of the US Navy from 1943 to 1946, Dick was a Seaman First Class and coxswain aboard the submarine tender SS Bushnell in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was employed for 40 years as a machinist by the Blackstone Corporation, retiring in 1987. Dick also enjoyed home construction. He built three houses from the ground up, as well as restored the old Strunk Road farm where they lived. He always happily helped his neighbors and friends. Dick will be remembered as a great father who was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Surviving are a daughter, Terry L. Higgs and son, Van R. Higgs, both of Jamestown; three grandchildren: Reese V. Higgs of Jamestown, Leah F. Higgs of Charlotte, N.C. and Peter V. Higgs of Jamestown; and a brother, Jim Higgs of Gerry, N.Y. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clair Higgs and sister, Eva Ingerson. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Visitation will not be observed. The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of choice.