Obituaries
Michael J. Higgins, 59
March 13, 2016
Michael J. Higgins, 59, of Lancaster, PA, died on March 13, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a brave two year battle with colon cancer. He was the son of the late Thomas E. & Frances C. (Conway) Higgins. Mike was cherished by his wife Loretta “Lorie” (Schustrich) for more than 28 years. Both Mike and Lorie believed “when God made them, He matched them.”
After graduating from West Chester University and moving to Lancaster, PA, Mike was a faithful, loyal, dependable employee who worked for Johnson & Johnson in Lititz, PA for the past 26 years. Mike lived every day of his life with humility, gentleness, compassion and generosity. His greatest joys were spending time with his wife and family and playing ice hockey.
Mike was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lancaster.
He is survived by his siblings, Rev. Thomas Higgins, Brian (Sharon), Stephen (Ann), Joseph (Susan), Megan Johnson (Michael), James (MaryAnn) and fourteen nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2PM on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St, Lancaster, PA with his brother, Rev. Thomas Higgins as Celebrant. Friends will be received from 6-9PM on Friday evening at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Mary K. Dano Animal Shelter/SPCA, 848 S. Prince St, Lancaster, PA.
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Condolences to the Family
March 20, 2016
Higgins family, I worked with Mike for all the years at Pfizer and J&J. I greatly admired him and enjoyed working with him. He will not only be missed by his family, but also everyone who knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with you and him. Sincerely, Mike Arnold
March 19, 2016
Loretta,
We are very sorry about Mike. We know how difficult this has been for you and the family. Mike was a wonderful person with so much personality. We always enjoyed his visits in our office. We know how much his family and friends will miss him. Mike would want you to stay strong. Remembering all the wonderful times that you shared with him will help you get thru this difficult time.
Your friends at West Lancaster Animal Hospital
March 18, 2016
Mike was my boss when I first came to Pfizer/J&J in 2002. He was a great boss and I always enjoyed his sense of humor. They would play music in the warehouse and he once caught me doing a little dance. He called me into his office, and with a smirk on his face said, “Please don’t do that again!” I can’t ever recall Mike being in a bad mood. After being laid off in 2008, I was fortunate to get hired back in 2013. Mike was one of the people that interviewed me. He wallked in with that smirk, just shaking his head, and greeted me warmly! It put me at ease immediately. I am sorry for your loss and was saddened to learn of his passing. I feel blessed to have known him! Kevin A. Murphy
March 18, 2016
It’s amazing to look back and realize I first met Mike 30 years ago or so. He was always such a cheerful, welcoming and generous guy. I was disappointed to have missed him when I visited the extended Higgins clan at Lake George this past summer, and was even more sad when I learned of his illness. So sorry Lorie, and the whole Higgins family, for the loss of such a bright light.
March 18, 2016
I am very saddened to here of Mike’s passing. He was a good boss, & had a great sense of humor. Would always say “how did I end up with the Maintenance dept.?” He will be missed,1 of the few that I shared some of my homebrew with. Greg Trump
March 18, 2016
It was a pleasure to know Mike as a boss and a true friend. Mike, Rod Gantz and myself went to some college football games back in the ’90’s. Had some great discussions about “his” Flyers; but Mike was a joy to be around. His humor, humility and compassion made an impression on my life. Mike will be missed by all who truly knew him. Marv Farrel
March 17, 2016
Lorie,
Though we haven’t seen you all for a long time. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole Higgins family. We will always remember Mike’s laugh and the good times we had with you all. May you find strength as your family & friends surround you.
Rich & Betty Steinert
March 17, 2016
It is with a heavy heart I write this to Mrs. Loretta Higgins. My thoughts are with her during this time of mourning. I’ll always remember going to Hershey Bears games with him, my dad and brother, and how much he lit up while watching what he loved doing outside of work. I am truly sorry for your loss.
March 17, 2016
I knew Mike though ice hockey. He played hockey like he lived his life; full of vigor, a strong work ethic, team oriented but always within the rules. I still play hockey with many of Mike’s siblings and his nephews at the Wissachickon Skating Club in Chestnut Hill in Phildelphia. The Higgins family has always been one of my very favorites. Mike embodied all the great attributes of that wonderful family. I shall miss him and wish him God Speed on this how appropriate St. Patrick’s Day.
Jerry Quill
March 17, 2016
I played hockey with Mike. He was a really nice guy and a great teammate. Eric Anderson
March 16, 2016
Loretta…I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Mike was wonderful guy to work for as well as a good friend. He was loved by all at work. Kristy Simmers
March 16, 2016
From Lorraine Andrews and Family: Michael Higgins Family – Our sincere condolences to all your family on the passing of your beloved husband, Michael. May the grace and love of God help guide you through this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
March 16, 2016
My deepest sympathies for Mike’s family. I had the privilege to work for Mike in the distribution center for several years. He was truly a man of honor and integrity. He was Fun to work for and with. Even seeing him after retirement he always had a smile. May God comfort you and bring peace during this time of loss.
March 16, 2016
I wish I would have met and known Michael. Obviously he was well liked by his friends and co-workers and beloved by his wife and family. His photograph depicts a friendly, welcoming and likeable countenance. I bet he made friends easily and made people laugh.
Judging by the sentiments, he must have touched everyone in a unique and special way. We will remember him often in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Kearns
Holy Innocents Development Committee
March 16, 2016
I was interviewed by Mike in 2001. I have great admiration and respect for Mike. It is an honor to have to know him! My loving prayers to you all!…..Barb Foose
March 16, 2016
Loretta, our prayers and condolences go out to you and Mike’s family. I have many fun memories of Mike at work and golfing with him.
I had only seen Mike a few times after my retirement, but his infectious smile and laugh will always be remembered.
Ted & Carol Malek
March 16, 2016
Loretta,
It was with great sadness to receive the news on Monday when you called me. I speak for all of us of who played Sunday Night hockey with Mike; we will all miss his gentle and personable nature both on and off the ice. As a goalie I won’t miss his wicked wrist shot 🙂
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bot Roda
March 16, 2016
I only had the pleasure of knowing Mike through OldTimers Hockey where he was always a gentleman and great sportsman with a wonderful sense of humor. His spirit will live on in all who knew him. Rick Baron
March 16, 2016
It is with a heavy heart I offer my most sincere condolences to Mrs. Loretta Higgins. My thoughts are with her during this time of mourning.
Brian Traeger
March 16, 2016
Our prayers and condolences to Lori and all the family.
Peter & Jessie Peterson
Coarsegold, CA
March 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss, Mike was a person who treated everyone with kindness and respect and and all around great person to work with.
Bonnie Stanke
March 16, 2016
I’m sorry for your loss. Mike was a great man, I had the privilege to work for him for 5 years and he was always a joy to work for. RIP Mike
Lori Gable
March 16, 2016
My name is Paula Gephart I’m retired but had work with Mike he was a wonderful wonderful man. I’m so sorry for your loss
March 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Higgins family. Hoping fond memories can comfort you in the coming days. Universally respected by those he touched in life, Mike embodied integrity.
Tim Blevins
March 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss he was a great man. A wonderful boss and friend. May he rest in peace❤️ Dennis and Denise Weaver
March 16, 2016
Lorie, my heart breaks for you. Although I didn’t know Mike, I know how much you cherished him. He was so young but you were so fortunate to have had him in your life for more than 28 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Love you! Therese Schustrich
March 15, 2016
So Sorry for your loss- Thoughts are with the Higgins family.. Wishing you peace to bring comfort,courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.. Deepest Sympathy Sam Morelli
March 15, 2016
Dear Father Tom and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved brother Mike. He is reborn into health and eternal happiness with no more suffering, just the ache of his loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dale and Mary Rehm
- Visitation
- Friday, March 18, 2016
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
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- Saturday, March 19, 2016
- 2:00 PM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St,
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