The Honorable Michael A. Higgins, 79, of Matunuck, passed away peacefully April 3, 2023 surrounded by his adoring family, following a brief illness. Born in Ireland, he was the son of the late Michael and Margaret Alice (Beirne) Higgins. He was the loving husband of Geraldine (Girard) Higgins with whom he would've celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in June.
Michael emigrated from Ballinamore, Leitrim with his parents when he was four years old. He took pride in being from Ireland and was sure to instill his heritage in his children. He grew up in Washington Park, Providence, where he attended St. Paul's Catholic School and Hope High School. Michael was also proud to work at Almacs Supermarket for many years, where he made many lifelong friends.
Michael graduated from Providence College in 1967 and loved being a Friar. His four children followed in his footsteps and also graduated from PC, often times joking that he “brainwashed” them to be Friars. However, one of his biggest joys was providing the opportunity to his children to receive their college education at Providence College and the wonderful experiences they were able to have while there, to which they are forever grateful. Michael was also an avid Friar Basketball fan, proudly holding season tickets for over 50 years. He would drive home from work in Providence to pick up whichever lucky child was going to the game that night and would drive right back to Providence, in order to see the game with his kids, making memories they will never forget.
Michael attended Law School at Catholic University in Washington DC, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1971. While in law school, Michael worked as a Capitol Police Officer and was also a social worker. After becoming a lawyer, Michael was a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. While practicing law at the Offices of Cobleigh and Higgins, he was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 1972, during which it was a privilege for him to serve the people of District 20. Michael became House Majority Leader from 1977 until his appointment to the District Court in 1980. During his time on the bench he became the court’s Administrative Judge in 2000 and later the Acting Chief Judge from 2008 until his retirement in 2010.
Michael loved his job. Known by many as “machine gun Mike” he moved the calendar along with fairness and compassion. Many times, Michael would be out with his family when someone would approach him and tell him how much he helped them and/or how he was instrumental in turning their lives around. While sitting as a District Court judge, he had the pleasure of representing Rhode Island for many years at the annual American Bar Association meeting. Michael also sat on the Board of Directors of South County Hospital for a number of years.
Michael’s family was his whole world. He lived for his kids and gave them everything he possibly could. Michael and Geri dedicated their lives to their children and making memories as a family was one of their priorities, to which they succeeded tenfold. One of the best decisions Michael made was purchasing a town house in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. There, Michael’s children learned how to ski, participated in camps and made endless memories they still love to talk about today. While at Mount Washington Place #8, he and Geri would enjoy a day of cross-country skiing or a round of golf at the Mount Washington Hotel, along with many other countless activities with their family. Michael also had no problem driving the family anywhere they wanted to go, with all six of them piling into the van and making those frequent trips to New Hampshire, as well as many trips to Florida and South Carolina. His kids believe they are all so close because of those road trips and being in such tight quarters together for so many hours. Michael loved to travel, whether with his children or alone with his best friend Geri. He especially loved the trips he made back home to Ireland to visit his first cousins. One of Michael’s favorite past times was golf. He would often say he was terrible at golf, but he enjoyed it, and that was mostly due to the many friends he would play with. Most of all, Michael loved being at home in Matunuck enjoying a summer day grilling, reading a book, and spending time with his beloved family.
Besides his devoted wife Geri, he leaves behind his loving children Bethany Parker, his son-in-law Ted, Caitlin Pouliot, his son-in-law Adam, Michael A. Higgins Jr., and his daughter-in-law Heather. He was the proud Papa of Teddy and Ryan Parker, whom he loved to spoil. His precious grandsons had him wrapped around their fingers. Michael will also be greatly missed by his loyal companion, his dog Tucker, who was by his side until the end. He is survived by his brothers Kevin and Barry Higgins, sister-in-law Patricia McGowan (Jim) and brother-in-law Al Girard (Kia). Michael is now joyfully reunited with his daughter Tara in heaven, a painful loss that Michael had to endure ten years ago. He was also predeceased by his sister Deirdre Horan, father-in-law Albert Girard, mother-in-law Madelyn Girard and sister-in-law Jeanne Girard Robinson. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Michael’s funeral will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 9:45 am from the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High St., Wakefield. A live streaming of the Mass may be found on the parish YouTube channel,
https://www.youtube.com/stfranciswakefield
. His burial will be private. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-7pm in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home of North Kingstown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hope Health Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
Arrangements entrusted to the J.F. Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations. Kindly visit SkeffingtonFuneralHome.com /
https://www.thequinnfuneralhome.com/obituaries/The-Honorable-Michael-A-Higgins?obId=27678354#/obituaryInfo
for online condolences and complete obituary.
View/Sign the Guestbook
