Anthony Edward Higgins

Anthony Edward Higgins was born June 20, 1953, in Kew Gardens, New York, and died March 17, 2026, at the age of 72. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather-to-be, remembered with deep respect for a life marked by steadfast commitment, wide-ranging talents, and generous service to others. Tony will be remembered as a principled, accomplished, and dedicated man whose presence brought laughter and warmth to every community he called home. He was a resident of Coppell, Texas.

Tony grew up on Long Island, New York, and graduated from Oceanside (NY) High School, class of 1971. He earned a BA from Brown University in 1975 and later completed his MBA at Columbia University in 1980. His education reflected the same discipline and curiosity that would define his professional and personal life.

Tony built a distinguished career as an insurance executive, working for Cigna both domestically and internationally (London and Tokyo), as well as for John Hancock (China) and Manulife (Philippines). After retiring from corporate life, he continued to serve his community as a substitute teacher and school bus driver for Coppell ISD, where students affectionately knew him as “Mr. Tony.” He was a member of Omega Gamma Delta (Delta Beta chapter), Phi Kappa Psi, The Brown University Alumni Association, the Texas MG Register Club, and he was a longtime parishioner at St. Ann Catholic Church.

An all-star athlete in both baseball and soccer, Tony competed in the state soccer championships all three years of high school. In college, his team achieved Ivy League Championships all four years, including a Final Four appearance during his junior year. His love of the game continued throughout his life: he served as president of the American Club Soccer League in Tokyo and coached his local Coppell club to a city championship. Tony spoke eight languages and traveled extensively, visiting 73 countries and all 50 states—an extraordinary reflection of his global outlook and enduring sense of adventure.

Tony met Eileen on a blind date in 1974. They married in 1980 and built a life together that took them to Seattle, Chicago, London, Philadelphia, Tokyo, Dallas, Shanghai, and Manila, before finally returning to Dallas.

Music and sport remained lifelong joys. Tony had a beautiful voice and was an accomplished trumpet and piano player, always ready to “tickle the ivories” and sing a song or two—especially anything by Tom Lehrer, a personal favorite. Throughout adulthood he played recreational soccer, softball, hockey, cricket, and cornhole. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the New York Yankees, and he cheered on local teams wherever he lived. His favorite soccer team was Tottenham Hotspur, and he was grateful to be able to watch their matches on U.S. television. He also cherished his MGB car, which he owned for 50 years, and he was an amazing “dad” to all of his pets.

Tony is survived by his wife, Eileen Hodson Higgins, and their two children, Kathryn (Gavin Witt) and Michelle (Chris Martin); and granddaughter Aurelia, coming soon. He is also survived by his sister Patricia (Anthony Greico); nieces Emily Greico ( Dennis Smith), Julianne Greico ( Max Garofalo), Abby Slanetz; and nephews Anthony Greico, Michael & Charlie Slanetz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Annette Buonora Higgins and Robert Higgins, as well as his brother, Robert Higgins II.

In lieu of flowers please send a check to: Coppell Special Olympics Texas Team 614 Westminster Ct. Coppell, TX 75019 : and note “In memory of Tony Higgins”