Patrick A. Higgins

December 15, 2016, age 92, beloved husband of 65 years of the late Gloria J. (Moore); loving son of the late Ida and Frank Higgins, devoted father of Sandra (Dick) Shuptrine, Sharon (George) Brunner, Susan (Ahmad) Zamer, Shelley (Steve) Coppola and the late Patrick M. Higgins; cherished grandfather “Bop” of Shannon (Ben), Carl (Kelly), Lily, Kamal (Angelica), Shadi (Lauren Sheehan), Stephen (Jill), Kevin (Alyson) and the late Kari; loving great-grandfather of Flynn, Emiline, Eliette, Kevin Jr., Samuel, Dominic and César; dear brother of Arthur, Margaret and Eileen Higgins, Lois (late Joseph) Niland and the late Jean Higgins, Ruth Higgins, Carol (late James) Kautz; fond brother-in-law of Jeanne (late Jack) Robinson, Suzanne (late Eugene) Mandell and Patricia (late Bert) Sullivan; also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family. No prior visitation. A memorial service will be held March 25th, 1pm at the Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy., Snyder. Memorials may be made in Patrick’s memory to Amherst Community Church or Hospice Buffalo. Patrick served in WWII in Okinawa, spent his career at Buffalo Pipe & Foundry, Central Foundry (Holt, AL) and Buffalo Forge. He served as chair of the local chapter of the Industrial Labor Assn., and belonged to the Williams College Alumni. The family extends their deepest gratitude to his loving Bristol Village family and the caring staff at Beechwood Wells Hospice House. www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com

Patrick A. Higgins, Plant Manager, Human Resources Director, WWII veteran, devoted family man, and long-time resident of Amherst, died on Dec. 15, 2016, in Wells Hospice House at Beechwood. He was 92 years old.

Mr. Higgins was born in Toledo, Ohio. He was the second of eight children of Frank and Ida (Leverenz) Higgins. His father worked for Nabisco, and the family moved often, traversing the country and living in cities from Spokane, WA to Philadelphia, PA. The family moved to Buffalo in 1939, and put down roots in Amherst.

He attended Amherst Central High School, and met his future wife, Gloria Moore, in sophomore English class. They married in January of 1944, and celebrated 65 years together before she died in April of 2009.

Mr. Higgins spent his senior year of high school at the Phillips Exeter Academy in NH, thanks to his generous mentor and benefactor, William C. Baird. He graduated in 1942, and went on to attend Williams College in Williamstown, MA. At Williams, he enjoyed a stellar football career as a halfback, and graduated in Dec 1947. His college career was interrupted when he joined the Marine Corp to serve the United States during World War II. He served in the Pacific and on Okinawa, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Williams College to finish his studies. Shortly after, in March of 1948, he signed a contract to play with the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, but soon decided to return to Buffalo to pursue a career in business and industry and be with his young family.

He started out pouring steel at Buffalo Pipe and Foundry (later known as Central Foundry), in Tonawanda, and held several positions there, including many years as Personnel Manager. He accepted a short-lived transfer to Central Foundry/Gabel Industries main headquarters in Holt, AL, in 1971, where he was appointed Director of Personnel. He eventually returned to the Tonawanda plant, where he was named Plant Manager. He joined Buffalo Forge in 1976, and worked there as Director of Human Resources until his retirement in the 1990’s.

Mr. Higgins served as Chairman of the American Foundrymen’s Society of WNY, and President of the Industrial Relations Association of WNY. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Industrial and Public Service Division of the Red Cross Fund Campaign, and was active for many years with the Town of Amherst Republican Committee. He was a long time member of Amherst Community Church and often served as an usher.

Mr. Higgins enjoyed golfing, swimming, gardening, fishing, reading, and watching the Bills and the Yankees. He was delighted to spend time with his family, and especially loved babies and children of all ages.

Survivors include four daughters: Sandra Shuptrine of Jackson, WY, Sharon Brunner of Rochester, NY, Susan Zamer of Austin, TX, and Shelley Coppola of Clarence; three sisters, Lois Niland, Margaret and Eileen; one brother, Arthur; seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his aforementioned wife of 65 years, Gloria, and a son, Patrick M.; a granddaughter, Karin; and three sisters, Carol Kautz, Jean and Ruth.

A memorial service will be held in Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Snyder, on Saturday, March 25, at 1pm.