Bill Higgins Obituary, Death – William “Bill” Edward Higgins Jr., age 82, of Milton, passed away in comfort on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was laid to rest in eternal slumber. He was the son of William and Amelia (Wary) Higgins, both of whom predeceased him, and was born in Shamokin on April 9, 1940. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Bloomsburg University, a master’s degree in education from Bucknell University, and a principal’s credential from Bucknell University. He graduated from Shamokin Catholic High School.
Elizabeth “Liz” Startzel, the woman he called the love of his life, became his wife on August 1, 1964. Bill was active in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Lewisburg, where he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Knight of Columbus in addition to being a member of the congregation. In addition to that, he was an active member of the Caring Community and the men’s group. He worked for the Warrior Run Area School District as a teacher for more than 35 years, devoting his life to the profession.
He was a coach for the varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, the varsity baseball team, the ninth-grade football team, the youth football team, and the Little League baseball team. Because coaching was his true calling, many people referred to him simply as “Coach,” and he was revered for his expertise in the field. Reading, gardening, solving crossword puzzles, going on trips, and watching “Gunsmoke” were some of his favorite activities.
He is survived by Liz, his loving wife of 58 years; he will be warmly remembered by his son, Michael (Claudia) Higgins, of Butler; his daughter, Kelly Millar, of Danville; and his son, Christopher (Karen), of Collegeville. He is also survived by his son, Christopher (Karen), of Collegeville. Alison, Justin, Austin, Nathan, and Emily were Bill’s five cherished grandchildren, and he treasured them all. Bill is also survived by a sister who is married to Ed Wagner and lives in Hummelstown, as well as a cousin who lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is married to Walt Schorer.
William Edward “Bill” Higgins Jr., age 82, was a resident of Milton. A viewing will be conducted from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home owned by John H. Shaw III located at 801 Market Street in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. This will be followed by a service held by the Knights of Columbus. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 814 St. Louis Street in Lewisburg. At the conclusion of the Mass, the burial will take place at the All Saints Cemetery in Elysburg.