Michael Patrick Higgins

Michael Patrick Higgins passed in peace on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 surrounded by his family. Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, affectionally nicknamed "Cookie Monster” and “Candyman” by his grandchildren.

He spent 30 years in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller achieving the rank of CMSgt. His career carried him around the world serving his country at various duty stations such as Korea, Thailand, Bermuda, and Germany as well as the continental United States. Mike is a veteran of foreign wars who served his country proudly. He ended his distinguished career as a GM-15 for the Air Force Flight Standards Agency of the Department of Defense.

Mike was a strong proponent of equal rights especially for women and minorities using his leadership to encourage and ensure fair and equal treatment based on merit and character. This resulted in raising his four daughters to be strong, independent women. His kindness extended to helping at risk youth as a Big Brother. He was a member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and a 30-year devoted member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Waldorf, Maryland. His contributions to his community and society resulted in Michael being awarded the Outstanding Young Men of America. He was also Air Traffic Control Manager of the year in 1983.

Michael, an Irish soul, loved music, singing, dancing and watching Notre Dame football. Michael was a selfless, compassionate man with a heart of gold and a quiet soul. Most of all, he loved Doris’s cooking and companionship and spending time with family and friends. With a sparkle in his eye, a smile on his face and a steel demeanor, his Irish heart never lost faith and he touched the lives of all those that crossed his path.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Doris, and his sister, Sister Rosemary Higgins OSF of New York and by his children, Kathleen (Michael) Ringlehan of Texas, Eileen (Jim) Hammons of Nevada, Julie Higgins of Nevada, and Theresa (Charlie) Adams of Maryland, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Michael was deeply loved by his family and all that knew him. He will be truly missed.

An Irish Blessing:

“May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. May you be in heaven for 24 hours before the devil knows you are dead.”