Duane Henry Higgins, 63, of Newport passed away unexpectedly at his home on Patriots Day, April 16, 2018. Duane was born on April 5, 1955 in Newport. He is the son of Annie (Silvia) Smith. He married the love of his life Terri Glynn on June 8, 2012.Duane is a 1973 graduate of Rogers High School. He worked as a master carpenter for forty-five years with Higgins/Mizerek General Contractors, MPH Builders, Behan Bros., and currently Higgins Construction.He enjoyed fishing and boating in Newport Harbor and vacationing in Key West. Duane also liked watching his beloved New York Yankees and New England Patriots. Duane loved live music especially classic rock and enjoyed spending Wednesdays with his granddaughters. Duane will be remembered most for his love of life, his infectious laugh, calm problem solving, and personal motto "Life's as hard as you make it."He is survived by his: wife Terri (Glynn) Higgins; daughter Cara Higgins of Bristol; mother Annie Smith of Middletown; sister Mona Dube of Newport; brother Dale Smith of Newport; two granddaughters Phoebe McCarthy and Eleanor McCarthy; stepson Timothy and his wife Meaghan McCarthy of Newport; stepdaughter Erin McCarthy and her husband Steven Liechty of Utah; nieces Arielle (Goble) Croy and Ashley Smith; nephew Cody Goble; great niece Kimberly Goble; extended family; and numerous friends.Duane is predeceased by his brother, John Smith.Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, April 20, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.A funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home: 375 Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island.Memorial contributions in Duane's name may be made to: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840. Visitation APR 20. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service APR 21. 02:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Peter Slom - April 23 at 10:56.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"So sad to hear about Duane's passing. We met at John Clarke in 6th grade, graduated together in '73 and he was always one of the nicest guys I've ever known. When I get back to Newport and stop in Cappie's, I could usually find him there with the same smile he's always had, sitting at the end of the bar. Will miss him, thoughts and prayers to his family-Peter Slom"
John & Deb Almeida - April 22 .. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
""Beyond the Veil"Beyond the Veil, I look back upon those whom I have loved, yet now, love more deeply!I can see my family and friends from beyond the Veil and am grateful to have been part of your lives... Beyond the Veil, a new Journey begins, full of light and hope and promises fulfilled!Beyond the Veil all sorrow ends; all despair and loneliness are exchanged for joy and endless comfort and happiness becomes all encompassing!Beyond the Veil I can feel you morn my departure but know this dear friends, I am just beyond the Veil, not lost, not alone, not unloved!How could I be when I can feel such great love for me, and for each of you?Beyond the Veil feels like a Home coming, warmly greeted, shown new and wondrous vistas and taught the greatness of the Divinity of Life - never-ending Life we all share, beyond the Veil.And it is beyond the Veil that we will meet again!So now, those of us on this side, let us take a moment to think of all our dear family and friends who have stepped over the threshold with fond memories, and in that way we call them here to us to share with us this moment... When we remember our departed family and friends beyond the Veil we can once again join with them in love, so let us recall them all, including our dear friends Lucy Arruda, Peter Jemo, Steve Case and Jimmy Medlock.And we give thanks that they open their arms wide and lovingly receive our beloved -Dwayne Henry Higgins(April 5, 1955 - April 16, 2018)Accepting him Home, Beyond the Veil!"
Terri Higgins - April 23 at 05.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Thank you John. That's beautiful."
Chet Oakley - April 22 at 09:1.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Terri and Family,We are at a loss for words, devastated, and heartbroken. Although we were unable to be there - you have constantly been in our thoughts and prayers.We are lucky to have known Higgs and grateful to have had him in our lives. A genuinely "Great" guy, the smiles, the stories, the hours of conversation, his love of life, and the laughter we will remember.Keep your memories close to heart they will hopefully bring you some peace - you know he would want you to be happy and to keep on smiling! His love for you and family was unmissable.He will go on to build great things in Heaven. We will love and miss him forever!!Until we meet again - RIP Higgs!Chet & Karen Oakley"
Terri Higgins - April 23 at 05.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Thank you Chet and Karen."
Kathy Condry - April 21 at 08:.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Dear Terri: Please accept our deepest sympathy on "Higgys" unexpected passing. We have so many laughable memories when he & & "munchkin" would harass my husband Dan. Higgy was a wonderful man. God Bless you & your family & help you carry on. Love the Condry family."
Annie - April 20 at 03:26 PM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"I don't know how to carry on after losing two of of the most extraordinary boys. Knowing threy are in God's hands has kept me going. I can only say that no other mother on the face of this earth has more to be proud of than God/s apostles, chosen to be with the Lord,It is our tremendous loss and the heavens gain. LOVE U GUYS. Missing you will never end, or the broken.heart,Thank you both for the most extraordinary life with the both of you. MA."
Memorial Funeral Homes - April.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Memorial Funeral Homes created a video in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Chris Mey - April 20 at 12:39 .. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Duane......was a 1973 classmate and friend ....one great guy ..miss you ..Chris Mey"
Christine Marquis - April 20 a.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Christine Marquis lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Jack Silvia - April 20 at 08:4.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Dear Aunt Annie and all of the Higgins family,I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Duane. I remember him to be one of my most favorite cousins. I described him to my wife as one of the most happiest and friendliest people you would ever want to meet. I know he will be sorely missed by all of you (us).I pray that you will find peace and comfort and know that one day we will reunite with him in our Lord's presence.God Bless!Jack SilviaYoungsville, NCjjack422000@yahoo.com"
Lorraine (Salos) Hannon - Apri.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Goodbye old friend. Prayers to your wife and family. You truly were one of the good guys."
Tina Murphy-Reynolds - April 1.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends! Such a nice guy, he will be missed!"
Jim Yergeau - April 19 at 02:2.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Jim Yergeau lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Deborah Rezendes - April 19 at.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Terri, Sorry for your Loss , my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."
Donna Ellis - April 19 at 01:2.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Terri, I'm so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna Ellis"
Luana Cherenzia - April 19 at .. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Luana Cherenzia lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
April 19 at 01:19 PM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Duane Henry Higgins."
Denise - April 19 at 11:01 AM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Denise lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Jayne Genga - April 19 at 10:2.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Oh Terri, I am so so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. Jayne Genga"
Denise - April 19 at 11:02 AM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Terri, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. XOXO Denise Fox"
Nona Monis & Bonnie Stevens - .. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Nona Monis & Bonnie Stevens purchased the Rose Impression for the family of Duane Henry Higgins."
Theresa Rolando class of 1973 .. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Was saddened by reading About Duane passing haven't seen him since high school in the 70s Prayers for his family :pray:"
Nona Monis - April 19 at 10:16.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Nona Monis lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Rick Santos - April 19 at 06:3.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Rick Santos lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Liz silvia - April 18 at 08:48.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"My mist sincere condolences to the family. Highs was ALWAYSBa gentleman and will truly be missed."
April 18 at 08:47 PM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Rose Garden Heart was purchased for the family of Duane Henry Higgins."
Jayne Danforth Van Petten - Ap.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"So heartbroken to hear about Duane! He was a great guy! Terri and family I pray you all find peace in your happy memories of Duane!:pray::pray::pray::pray::heart::heart::heart:RIP Duane!"
Debra Monroe - April 18 at 07:.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"It was with profound shock and sorrow that we heard of Duane's passing. He will always be in our hearts and remembered as a kind, gentle soul with a ready laugh. Taken from us far too soon, our deepest condolences to Terri, Cara & family. John & Debra Almeida"
April 18 at 05:32 PM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Heavenly Light was purchased for the family of Duane Henry Higgins."
April 18 at 05:01 PM wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Duane Henry Higgins."
Dale Smith - April 18 at 04:58.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"My heart goes out to you Terri and you also Cara and the rest of our families. He was an Amazing brother and was always there if you needed help or just and ear to listen. It is all still so surreal to me that I wont see him again but he will forever be in My Heart and everyone who knew him, and of course his Wonderful wife Terri's and his daughter Cara's. I will always cherish this picture of us. It was one of the best moments in my life being at the game with my big bro. I will cherish it and him fer the rest of my life... Love and miss you Higg.."
Rosel Provost - April 18 at 02.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Terri,It is with a heavy heart that I'm reading this my thoughts and prayers to you and the rest of the Higgins family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I would talk with him briefly when he was working across the street from me. At first he didn't know who I was until I said "Oh you are married to Terri" and he replied yes, then I said well you know my brother Roy. After that small talk it was. May he rest in peace. Rosel Provost"
Tony&Nora Mace - April 18 at 0.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Tony&Nora Mace lit a candle in memory of Duane Henry Higgins"
Irene Ferreira - April 18 at 0.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"To Terri & Cara, I am so sorry to hear about Duane's passing. May you both find comfort in the wonderful memories you have together with him. Rest in Peace Duane - God Bless Irene Ferreira"
Carolyn Lalli - April 18 at 05.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"To Terri and family...I just can't believe it...I have never seen a couple as happy as the two of you...Terri be strong...Rest in peace Duane and God Bless you Terri."
Jim Yergeau - April 19 at 02:2.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"So sorry for your loss, Higgs was will be sadly miss"
Ed MIzerek - April 21 at 12:54.. wrote on Apr 16, 2018:
"Higg was my brother John's best friend and a lifelong friend of my family. But he was much more than a friend and my parents treated him like a son. Many was the time my father tried to straighten out my brother John and Higg as they attempted to grow up over the years (with limited success by the way). I came to know Higg on my frequent visits to Newport and considered him my friend as well. My children called him Uncle Higg.Although this is a very sad time, many of us can take comfort in the fact that Higg lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed himself (as you can see from the video tribute) during the time he had. Higg was a genuinely nice guy and everybody liked him. That is not something you find a lot of these days and it made him unique. He will be missed, but we do have many fine memories of our time with Higg.Ed Mizerek"