Obituary of Donald L. Higgins

Donald L. Higgins of Clinton, NJ (formerly of Newark, NJ and Livingston, NJ) passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2016, at the age of 88. Donald, also affectionately known as "Don," "Pop Pop," and "Mr. H," was an amazing father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of so many with his gentle and quiet spirit. An army veteran of the Korean War, he was loved dearly and will be missed greatly. Don was born on November 5, 1928 in Newark, NJ. One of six siblings, he experienced many obstacles in his early family life that he overcame with hard work and determination. As a youngster, one of his first jobs was putting the crosses on hot cross buns for just pennies in pay. Besides work, he developed a talent for baseball and basketball; he loved playing for various industrial league teams in the metropolitan area. Don also enjoyed the Friday night dances at the Wigwam. Since he grew up in a poor household and had to drop out of school at an early age to help support his mother and siblings, Don always placed a high value on education. He struggled, but persevered, to obtain not only his GED, but also his Criminal Justice degree from Essex County Community College. He, additionally, completed an Executive Training program at Northwestern University. At times working three jobs, he managed to save enough for his own children to graduate from college debt-free. And, he was so proud of all his grandchildren's academic achievements. His "can do" attitude resulted in a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. Don was employed by the Newark Police Department for 15 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was an expert in wiretapping, and was a member of the Gambling Squad. Don also worked for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, and served in the Sheriff's Office in Essex County initially as an Internal Affairs Detective and later as the Director of the Bureau of Narcotics Task Force. Although he married the girl of his dreams whom he met on the Belmar beach over 65 years ago, Don had a life-long affair with champagne, chicken livers, Spam, spicy shrimp cocktail sauce, mini hot dogs, and Wrigley's double mint gum. Enjoying these simple treats at the kitchen table or on the backyard deck with family and friends brought him so much pleasure! Other delights were: Jitterbugging with his wife; sitting at the Poker Slots bar at the old Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City; attending his grandchildren's sporting events and theatre productions; watching classic movies such as Casablanca; solving crossword puzzles and playing Trivial Pursuit; reading detective and mystery novels; and, during recent years, spending time at The Sands Hotel & Casino in Bethlehem, PA. He treasured his friendship with his grammar school friend, William (Winky) Kyzima and his wife Jeannie, that lasted for 75+ years, and he loved that the Fania, DiLollo, and McCarthy families adopted "Mr. H" as one of their own. Don was predeceased by his parents, William and Agnes (nee McNaughton), and his siblings William, Shirley, Roberta, Arthur, and Barbara. He is survived by his wife Stella (nee Caprio) of Clinton, NJ; his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Fred Fania of Tewksbury, NJ; his son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Una Higgins of Great Falls, VA; as well as his four grandchildren, Anthony Fania, Theresa Higgins, Timothy Higgins, and Samantha Fania. Friends and relatives may gather on Monday January 2, 2017 from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at the Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. A mass of Christian burial will be offered on Tuesday January 3rd at 11:00am at St. Luke Parish, 265 W. Hill Road, Long Valley NJ. Interment with military honors will follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Annandale NJ.