1949 - 2026
Bill was born in Chicago and came to Massachusetts to attend college. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1967 and went on to attend the College of the Holy Cross, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. It was during his college years that he met his future wife, Mary Beth. They married after college and raised their family in Westborough.
Bill built a career as a materials scientist in the aerospace and defense industries. His work included crystal growth and laboratory research, resulting in numerous patents and publications. He was a member of the American Association of Crystal Growth, and some of his work contributed to the Cassini probe mission to Saturn.
Outside of his career, Bill was known for his curiosity and his interest in understanding how things worked. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of science with others, playing softball, taking long walks, traveling to Disney World with his family, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Beth (Cove) Higgins; his children, Jennifer and her husband Jamie Roach of Charlotte, North Carolina, Caroline and her husband Brendan Macomber of Shrewsbury, and Brian Higgins of Northborough; and four grandchildren, Jillian, Jocelyn, Devin, and Ethan. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Celeste Higgins of Alexandria, Virginia; Michael Higgins of Washington, D.C.; and Patty Ann Crowley and her husband John of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Helen Higgins; his sister, Helen Marie Roe; and brothers Tommy and Jack Higgins.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, October 28th from 4 to 7 PM at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, located at 62 West Main Street in Westborough.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, October 29th at 10:30 AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Church located at 70 West Main Street in Westborough. Burial will follow at St. Luke’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
