Obituary of Leo J. Higgins

Leo J. Higgins 78 of Peabody, died on Thursday, July 9, 2015 with his loving family by his side at the NSMC Salem Hospital. Leo was born in Peabody on March 26, 1937 son of Michael and Mary (Walsh) Higgins. He was raised in Peabody, graduating in 1955 from Peabody High School. He enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1955 and served a SP3 during the Korea prior to receiving his honorable discharge in 1958. He later pursued his education and received a B.S. in Business from Salem State College in 1993. Leo was employed for 38 years for the City of Peabody retiring as Deputy Director of Public Services a position he held for many years until his retirement in 2000. He dedicated his life to his family and then enjoyed spending precious time with his grandchildren. Leo was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody and was proud being the head usher at the 5 o’clock Mass. He was also President of the K of C Leo Council 508 in Peabody and while serving in office he was instrumental in renovating the building and introducing beano, also a member of the Yankee Division Veterans Association North Shore Chapter, and the 2nd Corps Cadets in Peabody. Many will remember Leo walking his loyal companion black retriever Mike. Leo is survived by his children and their spouses, Leo J. Higgins Jr., and Linda Higgins, Michael J. and Judy Higgins all of Salem, and Kara A. Couture of Berwick, ME; his grandchildren, Kyle, Kendall, Olivia and Dylan Higgins, Benjamin, Abigail and Samantha Couture; his sister Judy Baker and her husband Tom of Dover; a sister-in-law Janice Higgins of Peabody, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Leo was also predeceased by his siblings Paul Higgins, his twin Colonel John Higgins U.S. Army, Ret. and his wife Nancy. His family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 10 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St., Peabody, followed by cremation. Memorial contributions may be made in Leo’s memory to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 200 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.