John F. Higgins

John F. Higgins, 74, of Meadville, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Snyder Memorial Health Center, Marienville, PA, following a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.

He was born December 31, 1937 in Meadville, a son, of Francis and Beatrice Smith Higgins.  He married Donna Cornell November 28, 1964 and she survives.

John was a 1957 graduate of Saegertown High School.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Art from Edinboro University, Master’s Degree in Art from Kutztown University and Master’s Degree in Administration from Westminster College.  He was employed as an art teacher at Maplewood High School for 28 years and subsequently as an assistant principal for Penncrest School District for 15 years.  A member of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, Saegertown, John was also a member of Masonic Lodge 408 Meadville, Scottish Rite Bodies Erie, Meadville Elks Lodge 219 and the PA State Assoc. of School Retirees.  He was a former board member of Bethesda Children’s Home.  John and Donna enjoyed traveling extensively, his personal art studio which he built, formerly enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and golfing and especially enjoyed his nine grandchildren.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Donna of 47 years, include: two sons, John C. Higgins and his wife Jennifer of Meadville and Eric Higgins and his wife Tera of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Debra Posego and her husband Ron of Saegertown; nine grandchildren, Lauren, Zachary and Matthew Posego and Gracie, Ryan, Hannah, Joshua, Rachel and Aaron Higgins; a brother, Francis Higgins of Erie and an uncle, John D. Smith of Meadville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a cousin, James Lee.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville with a Masonic Service at 6:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Kelly Nelson, Pastor of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 640, Saegertown, PA 16433, the Meadville Public Library, 848 N. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net.