Mr. Arthur P. Higgins

1919 - 2010

Kittery - Arthur P. Higgins, 91, of Kittery, Maine, died Friday evening August 13, 2010 at Durgin Pines Health Care Facility with family at his side. He was born to the late Edward Higgins and Karolina Svenson, May 28, 1919, in Gray, Maine. Arthur graduated from the Pennell Institute in 1938. He married the late Mary Gertrude Lachance May 28, 1945 and settled in Auburn, Maine until her death in August of 1999, before relocating to York Maine in 2002. PFC Arthur Higgins served in the US Army from late January 1942 until his honorable discharge in June 1945. During his service he participated in Operation Torch the North Africa Campaign from November 1942 to May 1943 where as a machine gunner in the 107th AA battalion took part in actions at the Kasserine Pass, Fondouk Pass and taking Hill 609. Further, as part of the 107th AA battalion he participated in the landings in Sicily. With the 45th infantry division January - September 1944 he participated in the Rome-Arno Campaign in Italy, and with the 44th infantry division participated in actions to liberate southern France and was part of the leading elements entering Munchof Germany in March 1945. Arthur was both a boiler fireman and stock clerk working for Northern Utilities in Lewiston Maine from 1945 till his retirement in 1983. From 1983 until 1998 Arthur became successful at restoring antique hand tools, furniture and memorabilia. Some of his work became highly prized and has been seen in antique shops throughout New England. Arthur is a member of the American Legion William J. Rogers Post 153 in Auburn Maine. He was an avid sport fisherman and a Red Sox baseball enthusiast. His primary focus was always his family with whom he spent most of his energy and time.

Arthur is survived by two sons and their wives: Chris and Elizabeth Higgins of York Maine, John and Carol Higgins of Berwick, Maine. He is also survived by three grandchildren Katherine Kennedy and her husband Gary of Kittery, Maine; Benjamin Higgins and his wife Katherine of Whitinsville, MA, Jennifer Hagan and her husband Shaun of Carroll, NH and three great-grandchildren Michael Kennedy, Alexander Higgins and Rhys Hagan.

Funeral Notice: Higgins, Arthur P. 8/13/10. Visitation Fortin Group / AUBURN Mon. 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Funeral service at the funeral home Tues. 11 AM. Committal prayers to follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to The Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike; Cold Spring KY 41076 “ In Memory of Arthur P. Higgins”.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the higgins family by visiting their guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A service of The Fortin Group / Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Service 217 Turner St. AUBURN, 783-8545.