ARNOLD H. HIGGINS

STOCKTON SPRINGS – Arnold H. Higgins of Church Street, died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, at a local healthcare facility. He was born April 14, 1920, in East Blue Hill, the son of the late Ralph R. and Hazel (Webber) Higgins. Arnold was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Europe during World War II. He also served in the Korean War from 1950-1951. Among other service ribbons and medals he was awarded three bronze Battle Stars and the unit he was assigned to was awarded the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He also served in Japan in the Army of Occupation. His final assignment was with a military advisory group assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, Vietnam. He was a life member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion, former member of the Belfast Rotary Club and East Blue Hill Grange. Arnold attended Blue Hill Schools and graduated from George Steven’s Academy. He then attended North Eastern Business College, Portland, where he studied accounting and business law. He was associated with Eastern Maine Towage Company in Belfast as vice president and assistant treasurer for many years. He also worked for Fournier Marine Corporation for five years, retiring in 1982. Arnold was a 52-year member of Triangle Lodge No. 1 AF & AM of Portland and in his later years became a communicant of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth. He is predeceased by a stepdaughter, Hazel O’Leary Marcia and husband, Donald. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth D. O’Leary Higgins; three stepchildren, Basil O’Leary and wife, Linda, of Derry, N.H., Darrell O’Leary and wife, Donna, of Belfast and Beryl O’Leary Libby and husband, Larry, of Stockton Springs. He is also survived by one son from a previous marriage, Porter H. Higgins and wife, Connie; three grandchildren, Wendy Huebner and husband, Jim, of Thomaston, Troy Higgins and wife, Wendy, of Springfield, Mo. and Robin Catalano and husband, Richie, of Largo, Fla.; and eight great-grandchildren; two dear sisters, Thelma Fordham and husband, Warren, of Manning, S.C. and Rita Savage and her late husband, Edwin, of Belfast; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Belfast. Internment will be held in the Grove Cemetery, Belfast. Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave, Belfast.