John Michael Higgins, Sr

DOVER FOXCROFT and CAPE ELIZABETH - John Michael Higgins, Sr., 96, of Dover-Foxcroft, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, died after a brief illness, November 8, 2013, at Hibbard Nursing Home in Dover-Foxcroft. He was born September 8, 1917, in Portland, a son of John Joseph and Agnes E. Doherty Higgins. John was educated locally and was a graduate of Portland High School. He was captain of his team for three sports. John spent many summers on Peaks Island. John married Lenore Kalesnick on April 17, 1937, and began raising their seven children. John worked long and hard to support his family; sometimes working two and three jobs at the same time. He managed the millinery department of Owen Moore, worked as a part time policeman for Cape Elizabeth, was a federal court bailiff, was associated with Bernstein Shur Law Firm in Portland, and also as a funeral attendant for Conroy-Tully Funeral Home. John had a second family with the federal court. He worked with Federal Court Judge Edward T. Gignoux, court reporter Harry Derry and clerk of courts Maurie Cox on a daily basis for 29 years. Many stories and laughs were shared with Lenore and Harry around the kitchen table in Cape Elizabeth. John also had time to support his community. He was in the Coast Guard National Reserve, a Eucharistic Minister for Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew Church, a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus (Cheverus Council), a Boy Scout leader with neighbors Red and Norm, and a member of the budget committee for the Town of Cape Elizabeth. Upon his retirement, Lenore and the family presented him with a set of golf clubs and a membership to Willowdale Golf Course. Golf became his passion. He would play several times a week with his golfing buddies Russ, Al, Scott, Ray and Jim. John and Lenore visited family in Maine, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas where they explored new places and warmer climates, walked and John played golf with his sons, grandsons and great grandchildren. In later years, he became a loving caregiver to his wife Lenore who went to the Lord on April 28th, 1998. John was a resident at Main Street West in Dover-Foxcroft for six years. He participated in many activities. He became a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dover-Foxcroft. John was predeceased by his wife Lenore of 62 years and his grandson Christopher Everett Worcester; his brother Arthur and sisters, Helen Murray, Margaret (Peggy) Gregory and Anna Smith. He is survived by his seven children: John Higgins, Jr. (Sue-Anne) of Cape Elizabeth, Thomas Higgins of Portland, Judith Brown (Clint) of Berwyn, PA, Lee Worcester (Everett) of Orneville Twp., Gary Higgins (Debbie) of Amelia Island, FL, Brian Higgins (Gail) of Houston, TX, and Gregory Higgins (Nancy) of Debary, FL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 16th at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 10:15 a.m. at the South Portland Chapel on Saturday, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.